Demand That Chuck Schumer Step Down As Minority Leader

There are plenty of reasons to root for his success, even if you don’t like him personally.

YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson

Yes, Tesla received significant financial support from the Obama administration in the form of a $465 million low-interest loan in 2009 through the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program. This funding, part of the broader 2009 economic stimulus efforts, helped the then-struggling electric vehicle startup develop the Model S sedan and build a manufacturing plant in Fremont, California—support that many, including Sen. Dick Durbin, have described as effectively "saving" the company from potential failure. Key Details: Not a Traditional Bailout: Unlike the direct equity infusions or bankruptcy protections given to GM and Chrysler under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), this was a repayable loan aimed at advancing clean energy tech. Critics sometimes label it a "bailout" due to its scale relative to Tesla's size at the time, but it was structured as an investment in innovation, not a rescue from insolvency. Repayment: Tesla repaid the full loan (plus interest) in 2013—five years early—turning it into a success story for the program, especially compared to failures like Solyndra. Broader Context: The Obama-era stimulus allocated billions for green energy loans, with Tesla's being one of the standout returns on investment. Without this support, Tesla's trajectory might have been very different, as Elon Musk has acknowledged it was crucial for survival.

WIRED obtained notes from a Social Security Administration management meeting, where employees pressed leadership on plans for the agency.

Track Donald Trump's golf outings and the cost to taxpayers.