Elon Musk: Navigating the Backlash Against Tesla - Pawonation

As protests, vandalism, and falling stock prices escalate, Tesla is encountering growing criticism due to CEO Elon Musk’s intensifying engagement with right-wing politics and his association with the Trump administration. The company, which once dominated the electric vehicle sector, is now experiencing assaults on its dealerships and witnessing an exodus of disenchanted customers who are moving away from the brand.

Throughout the years, Tesla evolved from being an industry trailblazer into the leading seller of electric vehicles in the U.S. Nonetheless, recent occurrences have caused a change in how people view the company. The discontent started mounting after Musk purchased Twitter, which is now called X, back in 2022.

The situation intensified following his endorsement of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race and his contribution exceeding $250 million to the campaign. Many were particularly upset in January when Musk performed what appeared to be a fascist-style salute at a rally marking Trump’s inauguration. Now that Trump is president again, Musk has leveraged his power to push for extensive reductions in funding for various federal departments and dismiss numerous government employees, which has exacerbated public discontent.

Tesla Showrooms Hit by Attacks

At least seven Tesla sites throughout the U.S. have faced vandalism. At some dealerships, windows were broken, buildings were shot at, and charging stations were set ablaze. Although no severe injuries have occurred, these events led Attorney General Pam Bondi to label them as "domestic terrorist acts aimed at Mr. Musk," a view shared by Trump. Bondi warned that individuals responsible for these actions might receive sentences of at least five years in jail; however, she did not specify the exact charges involved.

Past acts of vandalism, demonstrations have emerged, calling on Tesla owners to divest both their cars and shares. At an event held near a Tesla dealership in Manhattan, hundreds assembled, shouting, "Elon Musk wasn’t elected."

Owners Selling Their Teslas

Numerous Tesla owners both within the United States and internationally have opted to resell their cars due to Musk’s political positions. Several individuals mentioned experiencing harassment when seen driving Teslas. In response, Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona declared his intention to relinquish his Tesla through an announcement on X, saying, "Initially, I chose a Tesla since it accelerated as swiftly as a spacecraft. However, each time I use my car nowadays, it feels akin to being a mobile advertisement for someone who is undermining our governance and causing harm. Thus, Tesla, consider yourself dismissed!" Subsequently, Kelly verified that he has switched to using a Chevrolet Tahoe instead.

FBI probes Tesla cars that were shot and torched at a facility in Las Vegas Nevada Residents rally against Tesla at showrooms due to Musk’s connection with DOGE I’ll purchase Tesla to back Elon Musk says Trump Shares nosedive

There has been a notable decrease in investor trust regarding Tesla due to escalating worries surrounding Musk’s political engagements and their effect on how the public perceives the company's image. Following President Trump entering his second term, Tesla’s stock value has plummeted by 47%, significantly more than the S&P 500 which only fell by 7%. Additionally, sales figures show signs of trouble; U.S.-based Tesla deliveries decreased by "5.6 percent last year, totaling around 634,000 vehicles," based on data from Kelley Blue Book. This represents the inaugural yearly drop in Tesla’s record book.

The continuous dispute over Musk’s political engagements persists in influencing Tesla’s trajectory, with demonstrations, investor worries, and customer disapproval significantly impacting the firm.

(New York Times)

Stay updated with the latest news from Tribune Online in real time! Connect with us on WhatsApp for immediate alerts, special reports, and behind-the-scenes conversations. Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel today!

Tags: Elon Musk Tesla Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Related Posts