Presidents behind the wheel: what Putin and Trump drive
From Lada to Lamborghini: the cars Putin and Trump drove themselves
Presidents behind the wheel: what Putin and Trump drive
Explore the driving stories of Putin and Trump — from classic Ladas to electric supercars. What do world leaders choose when they get behind the wheel?
2025-08-19T09:43:24+03:00
2025-08-19T09:43:24+03:00
2025-08-19T09:43:24+03:00
When world leaders take the wheel themselves, it often says more than any press release. While presidents typically leave driving to security teams, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have, on multiple occasions, swapped protocol for the driver’s seat — each for their own reasons.
Putin: Patriotism on Wheels
Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his loyalty to Russia’s homegrown auto industry. He’s often seen behind the wheel of domestic vehicles, turning each ride into a political statement. In 2010, he took a bright yellow Lada Kalina on a 2,000-kilometer tour across Russia’s Far East. Comfortable and reliable, he said — not just a car, but a symbol of national pride.
Fast forward to 2015: arriving at the Valdai Forum, Putin chose a Lada Vesta, highlighting the model’s handling and control. But he hasn’t limited himself to commuter cars. That same year, Putin dressed in full racing gear and pushed a Renault Formula 1 car close to 240 km/h.
In 2018, he led a convoy of trucks at the grand opening of the Crimean Bridge, personally driving a KAMAZ for nearly 20 kilometers. His automotive enthusiasm also includes vintage flair: among his collection is a 1956 GAZ-21 Volga, which he once used to give George W. Bush a nostalgic ride.
Trump: Flash and Legacy
Donald Trump’s love for luxury cars predates his political career. Long before entering the White House, he was already known for his high-end collection. One of his first prized vehicles was a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, a model he reportedly considered his favorite. In the 1990s, he owned and drove a Lamborghini Diablo — a rare, manual-shift supercar that eventually fetched $460,000 at auction.
In a surprising move for someone often skeptical of green energy, Trump purchased a Tesla Roadster, becoming an early adopter of electric performance. But once elected in 2016, the Secret Service rules kicked in: sitting presidents and even former ones aren’t allowed to drive on public roads.
Still, that didn’t stop him entirely. During his most recent campaign, Trump — then working closely with Elon Musk — took a spin in the Tesla Cybertruck, turning heads once again.
Two Leaders, Two Styles
While their car choices differ wildly, they reveal a shared passion for driving as more than just transportation. Putin favors symbolism and domestic craftsmanship, mixing nostalgia with power. Trump, on the other hand, leans into exclusivity and image — his garage a mirror of his brand.
In the end, both men may be passengers to their political duties, but their rare moments behind the wheel show a glimpse of the individuals beneath the suits.
Putin cars, Trump cars, LADA Kalina, Tesla Cybertruck, Lamborghini Diablo, presidential cars, cars of world leaders, Putin driving, Trump driving
2025
Michael Powers
articles
From Lada to Lamborghini: the cars Putin and Trump drove themselves
Explore the driving stories of Putin and Trump — from classic Ladas to electric supercars. What do world leaders choose when they get behind the wheel?
Michael Powers, Editor
When world leaders take the wheel themselves, it often says more than any press release. While presidents typically leave driving to security teams, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have, on multiple occasions, swapped protocol for the driver’s seat — each for their own reasons.
Putin: Patriotism on Wheels
Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his loyalty to Russia’s homegrown auto industry. He’s often seen behind the wheel of domestic vehicles, turning each ride into a political statement. In 2010, he took a bright yellow Lada Kalina on a 2,000-kilometer tour across Russia’s Far East. Comfortable and reliable, he said — not just a car, but a symbol of national pride.
Fast forward to 2015: arriving at the Valdai Forum, Putin chose a Lada Vesta, highlighting the model’s handling and control. But he hasn’t limited himself to commuter cars. That same year, Putin dressed in full racing gear and pushed a Renault Formula 1 car close to 240 km/h.
In 2018, he led a convoy of trucks at the grand opening of the Crimean Bridge, personally driving a KAMAZ for nearly 20 kilometers. His automotive enthusiasm also includes vintage flair: among his collection is a 1956 GAZ-21 Volga, which he once used to give George W. Bush a nostalgic ride.
Donald Trump’s love for luxury cars predates his political career. Long before entering the White House, he was already known for his high-end collection. One of his first prized vehicles was a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, a model he reportedly considered his favorite. In the 1990s, he owned and drove a Lamborghini Diablo — a rare, manual-shift supercar that eventually fetched $460,000 at auction.
In a surprising move for someone often skeptical of green energy, Trump purchased a Tesla Roadster, becoming an early adopter of electric performance. But once elected in 2016, the Secret Service rules kicked in: sitting presidents and even former ones aren’t allowed to drive on public roads.
Still, that didn’t stop him entirely. During his most recent campaign, Trump — then working closely with Elon Musk — took a spin in the Tesla Cybertruck, turning heads once again.
Two Leaders, Two Styles
While their car choices differ wildly, they reveal a shared passion for driving as more than just transportation. Putin favors symbolism and domestic craftsmanship, mixing nostalgia with power. Trump, on the other hand, leans into exclusivity and image — his garage a mirror of his brand.
In the end, both men may be passengers to their political duties, but their rare moments behind the wheel show a glimpse of the individuals beneath the suits.
