Worldwide Elon Musk Backlash CRASHING Tesla Stock! | HO

JJ investigates just how much the recent Tesla stock (TSLA) price crash may have to do with the protests and boycotts against Elon Musk and Tesla, aimed at Elon’s far-right leaning political support and his leadership of DOGE in the U.S.

Worldwide Elon Musk Backlash CRASHING Tesla Stock!

Tesla’s Stock Plummets Amid Growing Controversy

Tesla’s stock has been in freefall, shedding nearly 37% over the past year despite a 52% rise at certain points. However, recent trends suggest the electric vehicle giant is facing significant challenges. While some investors attribute this decline to broader market conditions, others point to a growing backlash against Tesla’s controversial CEO, Elon Musk. From political entanglements to public protests, Tesla appears to be struggling under the weight of Musk’s increasingly polarizing persona.

The Decline Accelerates

Tesla’s recent stock movement has been anything but smooth. The company’s valuation took a steep nosedive after Musk himself predicted that Tesla’s stock could be crushed like a “soufflé under a sledgehammer” if profit growth did not continue at a robust pace. That prophecy appears to be coming true, as Tesla now faces multiple headwinds that threaten its once-impressive growth trajectory.

According to reports from Yahoo Finance, Tesla’s declining sales in Europe have played a major role in its stock price slump. The company’s market share in the region has been eroded by emerging competition and an overall slowdown in EV demand. However, what makes this decline even more significant is the political and social unrest surrounding Musk himself.

Tesla crashes out of $1 trillion club as "Elon factor" hits sales and shares

Public Outrage and the Musk Effect

One of the most talked-about aspects of Tesla’s stock crash is the mounting backlash against Elon Musk. Public protests, online campaigns, and organized boycotts have targeted Tesla due to Musk’s political activities and controversial statements. In particular, his alleged support for far-right parties in Europe has sparked outrage, leading to demonstrations in cities like London and Berlin. Protesters have taken to the streets with signs such as “Don’t test drive fascism” and “Boycott Tesla,” signaling a growing public distaste for Musk’s actions.

A recent campaign in Germany accused Musk of sympathizing with far-right movements, with posters and advertisements comparing Tesla’s branding to Nazi-era symbolism. Musk’s infamous salute at a public event only added fuel to the fire, with critics calling it an intentional nod to authoritarian figures of the past. Musk later claimed the gesture was accidental, but public perception had already shifted.

Boycotts and Consumer Backlash

The protests against Musk have translated into a significant decline in consumer interest in Tesla vehicles. Reports suggest that many Tesla owners, particularly in liberal-leaning regions, are reconsidering their loyalty to the brand. Social media has been flooded with images of Tesla owners placing stickers on their cars that read, “I bought this before Elon went crazy.” The backlash has gone beyond mere criticism, evolving into a coordinated effort to discourage new Tesla purchases.

Major publications such as Rolling Stone have reported on this growing movement, highlighting how Musk’s increasingly erratic behavior is alienating a significant portion of Tesla’s traditional customer base. With competition in the EV market heating up, Tesla can no longer rely solely on brand loyalty to sustain its sales figures.

Political Controversy and Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla sales plunge globally as anti-Elon Musk backlash takes hold | World  News - Business Standard

Musk’s involvement in political matters has not only alienated customers but has also drawn the attention of regulators and lawmakers. His recent comments about U.S. politics, along with his public support for controversial figures and policies, have prompted calls for greater scrutiny of Tesla and its operations.

In Canada, a petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship has gained traction, with over 200,000 signatures from citizens who view his actions as harmful to democratic values. Additionally, his close ties with the Chinese government have raised concerns among U.S. officials, especially as Tesla seeks to expand its full self-driving (FSD) capabilities in China. Despite Musk’s public stance as a “free speech absolutist,” critics argue that he remains conspicuously silent when it comes to censorship and human rights issues in China.

Declining Sales and Increased Competition

Beyond the political turmoil, Tesla’s sales figures are facing mounting pressure from competitors. The company’s sales in Europe dropped by 45% as rival automakers expanded their EV offerings. While Tesla was once seen as the undisputed leader in the EV market, traditional automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have made significant strides in their own electric vehicle lineups.

In China, Tesla faces stiff competition from domestic EV makers like BYD, which recently surpassed Tesla in global EV sales. Analysts argue that Tesla’s limited vehicle lineup and aging designs are making it less attractive to consumers. While the company recently introduced a refresh of its Model Y, it lacks the diversity of offerings that its competitors provide.

Internal Turmoil and Employee Exodus

Tesla’s struggles are not just external. Internally, the company is experiencing significant turnover, with key personnel leaving amid reports of a toxic work environment. Recently, Tesla lost two of its top car designers, further exacerbating concerns about the company’s ability to innovate and maintain its competitive edge.

Tesla feels the wrath of anti-Elon Musk backlash - The Economic Times

Additionally, at Musk’s other major company, SpaceX, a key engineer recently resigned, reportedly due to ethical concerns. Similar reports have surfaced at X (formerly Twitter), where several high-ranking employees have left, citing Musk’s erratic leadership and questionable decision-making.

The situation is even more dire at Musk’s AI venture, xAI, where at least 21 staff members have resigned, allegedly refusing to compromise “core government systems” at Musk’s request. Some industry insiders believe that these departures signal deeper ethical and legal concerns within Musk’s various enterprises.

A Turning Point for Tesla?

The key question remains: Is this just another temporary setback for Tesla, or is it the beginning of a long-term decline? While Tesla’s stock has experienced volatility before, the combination of political backlash, consumer boycotts, internal turmoil, and growing competition paints a challenging picture for the company.

Many investors who once supported Tesla now express concerns about Musk’s leadership. His increasingly controversial public persona, coupled with a series of questionable business decisions, has created uncertainty about the company’s future. While Tesla remains a dominant player in the EV market, its once-unshakable brand is now facing unprecedented challenges.

Conclusion: Can Tesla Recover?

As Tesla heads deeper into 2025, the company faces a crossroads. Can it overcome the mounting backlash against Musk and regain consumer trust? Or will its continued association with Musk’s political controversies drive even more customers—and investors—away?

Tesla’s stock decline is not just a reflection of market trends but also a symptom of a deeper issue: Musk’s growing unpopularity. While Tesla’s technological advancements and market position remain strong, its ability to navigate these turbulent waters will depend on whether Musk can separate his personal brand from the company’s identity. If he continues to court controversy, Tesla’s stock may have a long way to fall before it stabilizes.

For now, the protests continue, consumer sentiment shifts, and Tesla’s competitors are more than ready to seize the opportunity. Only time will tell if Tesla can weather this storm, but one thing is clear: the backlash against Musk is not going away anytime soon.