Tesla had big problems in 2008 financial crisis. Elon put in his own last money and got private funding round on Christmas Eve 2008 to survive.
Tesla got $465 million DOE loan in 2010 under EV program. It was a loan, not free bailout. Tesla paid it back early in 2013 with interest.
Government also bailed out big car companies like GM with much more money (billions). Some of that was never fully repaid. Tesla paid everything back fast.
Elon success also came from private investors, risk taking, SpaceX wins, and execution. Government loan helped growth but was not the only reason he is where he is today.
>Government gives Elon money.
>Elon creates EVs, spaceships, jobs.
>Government gives Bernie and Liz money.
>Where'd it go?I mean to be fair.
If we're going to have a socialist economy, then Elon should be the Supreme Coordinator.
Bernie and Liz should clean toilets.
— SJ Ryan – Writer (@sjryanwriter) June 23, 2026