Wondering what car Donald Trump drives? Many people picture him behind the wheel of a flashy sports car, but the reality is shaped by security, not personal choice. This creates common confusion between the cars he personally owns and the vehicles he actually uses for transportation.
Due to Secret Service lifetime protection protocols, Donald Trump does not personally drive a car for official or public travel. He is transported in a fleet of armored vehicles, which is separate from the extensive collection of luxury and sports cars he personally owns. The direct answer depends on whether you mean his official transport or his private collection.
Based on verified reports and official Secret Service protocols, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover the details of the presidential limousine known as ‘The Beast,’ the most famous cars in his personal collection, and the specific security reasons why he is not allowed to drive on public roads.
Key Facts
- No Public Driving: Verified reports confirm that due to Secret Service protocols for former presidents, Donald Trump does not drive himself on public roads. He is always transported by a professional security detail.
- ‘The Beast’ is Government Property: The famous presidential limousine is not a personal vehicle. It is a custom-built, armored car owned by the U.S. government and operated by the Secret Service, demonstrating its official status.
- Iconic Personal Collection: Donald Trump’s personal car collection has included several high-value vehicles, including a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster and multiple Rolls-Royce models, reflecting his taste in luxury automobiles.
- Security Over Preference: The restriction on driving is not a personal choice but a mandatory security measure. This protocol is in place to maintain a controlled environment and minimize potential risks to a former head of state.
- Post-Presidency Transport: For travel after his presidency, his security detail uses a motorcade of armored SUVs. Documented sightings and security standards point to vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban being used.
What Car Does Trump Drive? The Definitive Answer [Year]
The short answer is that as a former U.S. President, Donald Trump is driven by Secret Service agents in armored vehicles for security. He does not personally drive a car for daily transportation. This is a common point of confusion, as his public persona is often associated with the luxury cars he has owned over the years. It is essential to distinguish between the vehicles used for his official and secure transport versus the cars that are part of his personal collection.

The vehicles he actually travels in are part of a secure motorcade managed entirely by his protective detail. During his presidency, his primary mode of transport was the iconic presidential state car nicknamed ‘The Beast’. After his presidency, this role is filled by a fleet of other heavily modified and armored vehicles, typically large SUVs. These automobiles are tools for security, not expressions of personal taste.
His personal car collection, on the other hand, features a variety of high-end sports cars and classic luxury sedans that he purchased and used before his time in office. While he still owns some of these vehicles, they are kept separate from his day-to-day transportation needs, which are dictated entirely by Secret Service protocols. Understanding this distinction is key to answering the question of what car he “drives.”
What Is ‘The Beast’ Presidential Limousine Trump Used?
“The Beast” is the unofficial name for the United States presidential state car, a custom Cadillac limousine designed for maximum security. It is not a single vehicle but a fleet of identical limousines operated by the Secret Service. Donald Trump used a new version of ‘The Beast’ that debuted in 2018 during his presidency. This vehicle is government property and represents the pinnacle of protective automotive engineering.
According to official sources and government documentation, the primary purpose of ‘The Beast’ is to protect the President of the United States. Built by General Motors, it is based on a heavy-duty truck chassis but is styled to look like an enlarged Cadillac sedan. Its capabilities go far beyond those of a standard armored car, making it a mobile command center and survival cell. Key features that distinguish it include:
- Heavy Armor: The doors are reported to be 8 inches thick, and the 5-inch thick armored glass can stop high-caliber bullets.
- Sealed Cabin: The interior is sealed against chemical and biological attacks and has its own independent oxygen supply.
- Advanced Communications: It is equipped with advanced encrypted communication systems, ensuring the president is always connected.
- Defensive Countermeasures: The vehicle includes features like night vision optics, smoke screens, and tear gas cannons.
- Run-Flat Tires: The tires are reinforced and capable of running even when punctured, allowing for escape during an attack.
- Medical Equipment: ‘The Beast’ carries a supply of the president’s blood type and other emergency medical equipment.
What Cars Are in Donald Trump’s Personal Collection?
Donald Trump’s notable personal cars include a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo, a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, a 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. These vehicles are part of his personal assets and are entirely separate from any government-provided transportation. His collection, built over decades, reflects his public image and affinity for high-end, statement-making automobiles. Each vehicle reflects a different era of his public life before and after his presidency.
Based on documented ownership and reputable news outlets, his collection is a mix of classic luxury and modern supercar performance. These aren’t just vehicles; they are assets that tell a story about his brand and business career. Here’s a closer look at some of the most famous cars historically linked to him.
What 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Did Trump Own?
Donald Trump owned a unique 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster in an “electric blue” color, which he reportedly custom-ordered. This V12-powered supercar was one of the most iconic vehicles of the 1990s, and Trump’s ownership added to its provenance. According to credible journalism from automotive publications, the car was highly personalized.
The most notable feature was a special plaque installed on the doorjamb that read “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo.” This direct customization made the vehicle one-of-a-kind. He sold the car in 2002, and it has since become a collector’s item, occasionally appearing at auctions.
- Engine: 5.7-liter V12
- Top Speed: Approximately 202 mph
- Color: Le Mans Blue (often called electric blue)
- Unique Feature: Custom plaque with his name
What Rolls-Royce Models Has Trump Owned?
Donald Trump has owned multiple Rolls-Royce cars, demonstrating a long-term affinity for the British luxury brand. His ownership includes both classic and modern models, which have been part of his public image for decades. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury and are often used as chauffeur-driven executive cars.
The two most famous Rolls-Royce models associated with him are a classic from the 1950s and a modern flagship sedan. This shows a consistent preference for the brand’s combination of comfort, prestige, and timeless design.
- 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud: According to documented ownership, this was one of the first luxury cars he ever owned. The classic design and elegance of the Silver Cloud made it a symbol of wealth and success in its era.
- 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom: In more recent years, he has been seen using a modern Rolls-Royce Phantom. This vehicle is known for its opulent interior, silent ride, and powerful V12 engine, serving as a modern counterpart to his classic Silver Cloud.
Why Is Trump Not Allowed to Drive a Car Himself?
Donald Trump is not allowed to drive on public roads due to a long-standing Secret Service protocol for all former presidents who accept lifetime protection. This is not a personal rule for him but a mandatory security policy designed to ensure the safety of the protectee. The core reason is that the Secret Service must maintain complete control over the vehicle and the surrounding environment in a security emergency.
This policy is rooted in decades of experience in executive protection. According to official Secret Service guidelines, allowing a protectee to drive introduces an unacceptable level of risk. An agent behind the wheel is a highly trained professional skilled in defensive and evasive driving maneuvers. The security rationale is built on several key factors:
- Control of the Environment: The driver is the first line of defense. Agents are trained to react instantly to threats, make split-second decisions, and execute escape maneuvers that a civilian driver, even a skilled one, cannot.
- Risk of Attack: A vehicle is most vulnerable when it is moving. If the protectee is driving, the security detail’s ability to react to ambushes, vehicle-borne threats, or other attacks is severely compromised.
- Medical Emergencies: The agents in the vehicle are trained to provide immediate medical assistance. If the protectee were driving and experienced a medical issue, it would create a catastrophic failure in the security plan.
- Coordination Complexity: A presidential motorcade is a complex, coordinated operation. The lead vehicle, driven by an agent, sets the pace and direction, and having the protectee drive would disrupt this essential command structure.
FAQs About what car does trump drive
What car does Trump drive now after his presidency?
Due to Secret Service protocols, Donald Trump is driven in a fleet of armored vehicles, typically Chevrolet Suburbans or similar SUVs, after his presidency. He does not personally drive on public roads. This motorcade ensures his safety and is managed entirely by his protective detail.
Did Trump drive a Lamborghini as president?
No, Donald Trump did not drive his Lamborghini or any personal car while he was president. All his travel was handled by the Secret Service, primarily in the presidential limousine ‘The Beast’ or other armored vehicles in the official motorcade.
What is Donald Trump’s favorite car?
While not officially stated, Donald Trump was frequently associated with his 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, which he custom-ordered. Many reports from that time suggest it was a personal favorite for him to drive before he sold it in 2002.
What kind of SUV does Trump use?
For secure transportation, Donald Trump’s Secret Service detail commonly uses a fleet of armored Chevrolet Suburban SUVs. These large vehicles are ideal for transporting personnel and security equipment and are a standard choice for executive protection details.
Is ‘The Beast’ limousine personally owned by Trump?
No, ‘The Beast’ is not personally owned by Donald Trump; it is the property of the U.S. government. The presidential state car is a piece of official government equipment operated by the Secret Service and is passed down or updated for each new administration.
What car did Trump drive before he was president?
Before his presidency, Donald Trump was known to drive several of his personal luxury cars, most notably his 1997 Lamborghini Diablo and various Rolls-Royce models. He was able to drive his own vehicles on public roads before he received official Secret Service protection.
How much is Trump’s car collection worth?
Estimating the exact value is difficult as it changes, but based on the known high-end vehicles like the SLR McLaren, Rolls-Royces, and the historical value of his Lamborghini, the collection is valued in the millions of dollars. The total worth fluctuates with the collector car market.
Does the Secret Service drive Trump everywhere?
Yes, for any travel outside of his private properties, the Secret Service drives Donald Trump. This is a non-negotiable part of the security protocol for former presidents to ensure their safety in public or semi-public spaces.
Can Trump drive on his own private property?
Yes, it is generally understood that a former president can drive vehicles on their own large, secure private properties like Mar-a-Lago or his golf courses. The restriction applies specifically to public roads where security cannot be fully controlled.
What happened to Trump’s old limousines from his business days?
Donald Trump commissioned custom Cadillac limousines for his business in the 1980s, but these are distinct from the presidential limousine. These “Trump Series” Cadillacs were sold years ago and are now considered rare collector’s items that occasionally appear at auctions.
Key Takeaways: What Car Donald Trump Drives
- He Does Not Drive in Public: The most critical point is that due to lifelong Secret Service protection, Donald Trump does not drive himself on public roads. He is always a passenger in a secure vehicle.
- Official vs. Personal Cars: There is a clear distinction between his official transport (like ‘The Beast’ during his presidency) and the cars he personally owns in his private collection.
- ‘The Beast’ is Government Property: The famous armored presidential limousine is owned by the U.S. government, not the president. It’s a piece of official security equipment.
- The Collection is Impressive: His personal collection has included iconic supercars like a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo, classic luxury like a 1956 Rolls-Royce, and modern marvels like a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
- Security Dictates Everything: The “no-driving” rule is not a personal choice but a strict security protocol designed to minimize risk and maintain a controlled environment around a former head of state.
- Post-Presidency Transport: After leaving office, his official transportation is typically a motorcade of armored SUVs, such as Chevrolet Suburbans, managed by his Secret Service detail.
- Driving is Limited to Private Property: While restricted from public roads, a former president is generally permitted to drive vehicles within the confines of their large, secure private estates.
Final Thoughts on Donald Trump’s Cars
Ultimately, the question of what car Donald Trump drives is answered not by a single model but by understanding the strict division between his life as a private citizen with a passion for cars and his role as a public figure under constant security. His personal collection of Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces tells a story of his business persona, while his actual transportation—armored Suburbans and ‘The Beast’—tells a story of presidential security. The former are symbols of personal wealth and taste, while the latter are tools of federal protection. You now have a complete and accurate understanding of both sides of this fascinating topic.