An online article recently caused widespread confusion with a claim that Warren Buffett had bought Tesla for $1 trillion. The April Fools’ Day prank included fabricated quotes and jokingly referred to Elon Musk as Tesla’s “chief meme officer.” Despite being satire, the story spread quickly, leading many to believe it was true.
The Fake Report That Fooled Many
GoBankingRates, a personal finance website, published the satirical article as part of an April Fools’ joke. It humorously suggested that Buffett had changed his views on tech companies. One quote read:
“While I’ve publicly maintained that I don’t understand tech companies, I’ve secretly been driving a Cybertruck around my Nebraska neighborhood at night.”
The article also claimed that Musk would become Tesla’s “chief meme officer,” a playful nod to his active online presence and love for internet culture.
Readers Caught Off Guard
Despite its exaggerated nature, many readers believed the report. Social media buzzed with reactions—some were shocked at the thought of Buffett investing in Tesla, while others found the joke amusing.
The Clarification Came Late
At the end of the article, a disclaimer stated:
“APRIL FOOLS! This article is entirely satirical and was published on April 1, 2025. Warren Buffett has not acquired Tesla, and all quotes and information in this piece are fictional.”
By the time many readers reached the disclaimer, the headline had already gone viral, fueling speculation.
Neither Warren Buffett nor Elon Musk has publicly addressed the prank.
