For over a decade, Elon Musk has been more than just the CEO of Tesla—he’s been the face of a movement. From revolutionizing electric vehicles to boldly promising a sustainable future, Musk cultivated a fiercely loyal fan base that viewed him as a visionary disruptor. But now, as controversies mount and the tone of his public persona shifts, many are beginning to ask: are Tesla’s biggest fans finally losing faith in Elon Musk?

In recent months, cracks have started to show in what was once an unshakable bond. Discontent began to surface as Musk became increasingly active on X (formerly Twitter), often diving into divisive political commentary, spreading misinformation, and engaging in online spats with critics, journalists, and even long-time supporters. For some Tesla enthusiasts, the shift has been jarring.

“I bought a Model 3 because I believed in the mission,” says Adrian Miller, a Tesla owner from San Francisco. “But lately, it feels like Musk is more focused on trolling people online than leading the company into the future.”

At the same time, Tesla itself has faced growing scrutiny. Sales have slipped in key global markets such as Germany and Sweden, where labor disputes and reputational issues are taking their toll. Competition in the EV space has intensified, with automakers like BYD, Hyundai, and Ford rapidly catching up—both in technology and pricing.

Even among investors and EV influencers, there’s a visible cooling of enthusiasm. Online forums and fan communities that once celebrated every Musk tweet now include threads questioning his priorities. Some longtime supporters are even considering other brands—not because of the cars, but because of the man behind them.

“Elon Musk’s genius got Tesla where it is,” notes analyst Rebecca Lin from EV Market Watch. “But that same unpredictability is starting to damage the brand he built. People are realizing they can admire the innovation without endorsing the behavior.”

To be fair, Musk still commands a passionate following. His defenders argue that his eccentricity is part of the package—and point out that Tesla continues to lead in battery technology, autonomous driving software, and global EV infrastructure. Yet, it’s clear that blind devotion is giving way to a more cautious, even skeptical, stance.

As Tesla heads into the second half of 2025, the question looms: can the company separate its long-term success from the increasingly controversial image of its CEO? Or will disillusionment among its earliest and most loyal fans become a turning point?

One thing’s for certain: the Elon Musk mythos isn’t fading quietly—it’s being reexamined, in real-time, by the very people who helped build it.