A CNN panel heated up as participants debated President Donald Trump’s White House Tesla test drive alongside billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Democratic communications strategist Xochitl Hinojosa opened the discussion by asserting that any savvy Republican strategist would have advised Trump against publicly endorsing a billionaire’s business, especially while that billionaire, Elon Musk, was heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“I’m assuming you agree, because as a Republican strategist, you wouldn’t have advised him to go in front of the White House and drive a Tesla when people —” Hinojosa said, directing her comment to Republican panelist Scott Jennings.

“Wait, why?” he responded, appearing baffled by the statement regarding the vehicle company owned by Musk. “Of course I would have! You know why? Because if I were advising a Republican president, I would say, ‘Let’s support American companies that have thousands of American workers and thousands more workers who make indirect products for it! Yeah, I think it would be a good idea if American companies did well!”

“Okay, so you’re going to go ahead and support a billionaire, but not support the American worker?” Hinojosa asked, glossing over the fact that Jennings had just pointed out how many Americans are employed by Tesla.

“Who do you think makes Teslas, Xochitl?! American workers! You think Elon Musk builds them all in his basement?” Jennings shot back. “They’ve got factories all over the place —”

Another panelist chimed in, noting that some of the production was based in China. However, when Jennings highlighted that Musk still employed thousands of Americans, the panelist eventually conceded the argument.

Hinojosa then argued that the optics were what mattered, insisting that Trump driving a six-figure vehicle came off as being out of touch.

.@ScottJenningsKY wins another 4-on-1 exchange on CNN 🔥

CNN Commentator: "As a Republican strategist, you wouldn't have advised him to go in front of the White House and drive a Tesla?!"@ScottJenningsKY: "Wait, why?! Of course I would have…! Yeah, I think it would be a good… pic.twitter.com/5jHBJsKdgL

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 12, 2025

“Did Joe Biden drive a Jeep Rubicon around the South Lawn? Where do they make those?” Jennings asked, noting that members of the UAW had supported former President Joe Biden.

“We’re talking about a billionaire,” Hinojosa insisted. “A billionaire who is in the federal government making cuts and making business deals that end up benefitting himself. It’s a terrible look for Donald Trump.”

“I’ve NEVER seen Democrats so excited to tear down an American company or companies the way they are right now. It’s crazy!” Jennings concluded.