CNN host Smerconish: 'Would be good' for 'the planet' if Trump, Musk 'broaden Tesla's appeal'

Michael Smerconish, a CNN host and political commentator, said on Saturday he's a Tesla owner and doesn't care about the politics of the company's CEO Elon Musk, arguing that Democrats should embrace Tesla's potentially broader appeal under President Trump, given that its electric vehicles are the most American made on the market.

"Maybe Musk and Trump's newfound marketing will boost charging availability, which would be good for all of us and for the planet. How ironic and progressive that it would then be Trump who is reducing carbon emissions?" Smerconish said on air. "But whether it's Trump or Musk or Biden, I don't care who gets us there. Just plug me in and let's roll."

Smerconish cited a study showing the Tesla Model Y as the most American vehicle on the market currently.

“I'm a Tesla owner. I appreciate the technology, and I like that it's made in America. In fact, among all automakers, Tesla is arguably the most American; I don't make my consumer decisions based on politics," he said. "I make them based on quality. When it comes Musk and Trump, I hope they broaden Tesla's appeal."

Smerconish knocked the Biden administration for only building about 60 electric vehicle chargers in the U.S. after receiving billions for expanding the charging network in the U.S. in the infrastructure bill.