The divide between the reaction from European capitals and U.S. Vice President JD Vance — who slammed the move before it was announced — sets up a clash that is set to persist as Brussels turns its attention to more enforcement decisions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), and will likely spill into ongoing transatlantic trade talks.

Regardless of what you think of Musk or Tesla, their new models provide an economical choice for consumers. Tesla launches new version of iconic vehicle in attempt to win back buyers following Elon Musk frustrations: '[This] should be seen as a wake-up call' first appeared on The Cool Down.

Elon Musk, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. Evan Vucci/AP Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily.

Tesla launched the cheaper Standard versions of the Model 3 and Model Y in Europe as sales lag in the region due to competition and the political antics of CEO Elon Musk.

Donald Trump opened up about his relationship with Elon Musk, saying he still “likes Elon a lot” despite their high-profile split earlier this year over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The US president praised Musk’s 2024 campaign endorsement while recalling their disagreements over electric-vehicle policy.