India, March 12 -- US President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to read from a prepared sales pitch while showcasing Tesla vehicles at a White House event, in a widely-criticised display of support for the embattled electric vehicle manufacturer and its CEO, Elon Musk.

The event, held on the South Lawn of the White House, featured a number of Tesla cars parked for the president's inspection. Standing alongside Musk, Trump praised Tesla's designs and vowed to purchase a vehicle himself, despite his previous criticisms of electric cars.

Cameras at the event captured the president holding a note card that listed Tesla's prices and features, with phrases such as "SAFEST car," "state of the art," and "affordable." At one point, Trump acknow...