00:00Elon Musk paid off Tesla's $465 million government loan nine years early with penalties and left a thank you note.
00:08Back in 2010, Tesla was a gamble.
00:11The government stepped in with a half-billion-dollar loan to jumpstart EV innovation.
00:16And while most people drag their feet with debt, Musk ran at it.
00:19In 2013, Tesla cut a full check, interest and all, and became the first U.S. automaker to fully repay an ATVM loan.
00:27He even added a thank you message to the American taxpayer, I hope we did you proud.
00:32This wasn't just about money. It was a statement of we're here and we're serious.
00:36At the time, Musk said, if we have the ability, let's repay early.
00:41They believed in us. We owe it to them.
00:43Today, Musk is known more for cutting budgets than borrowing them.
00:47But this story reminds us that he's played both roles, borrower and fiscal watchdog.
00:52Follow Benzinga for more stories where business, government and bold personalities collide.
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