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Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is facing increasing criticism as his company deals with declining sales, a major stock price drop, and growing competition. While Tesla was once the leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, recent developments suggest that things aren’t going so well. A global boycott, stronger rivals, and Musk’s controversial political statements seem to be causing real damage to the company’s reputation and financial performance.
Tesla’s stock has already fallen by 50% this year, and analysts believe Musk’s public image issues, combined with intense competition from Chinese EV makers, have led to this downturn. At the same time, some of Tesla’s top executives and investors are selling off their shares, raising concerns about the company’s future.
Musk Complains on Social Media
On Monday night, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. He posted:
“My companies make great products that people love, and I’ve never physically hurt anyone. So why the hate and violence against me?”
He then answered his own question, saying:
“Because I am a deadly threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls.”
This post sparked mixed reactions online. While some of his supporters agreed with him, others argued that his political rants and extreme views are driving people away from Tesla. Many pointed out that instead of complaining, Musk should focus on fixing Tesla’s business problems.
Tesla’s Stock and Sales Are Declining
Tesla is currently going through a rough patch on the stock market. Last week, the company had its worst single-day stock drop since 2020.
One of the biggest challenges for Tesla is BYD, a Chinese EV company that recently introduced a fast-charging system that can add 249 miles of range in just five minutes. This new technology is a game-changer and puts Tesla at a serious disadvantage—especially in China, where Tesla’s sales have already dropped by 49% in February.
At the same time, a global boycott of Tesla has been gaining momentum. The brand was once known for being progressive and environmentally friendly, but Musk’s public support for far-right politics has alienated many customers, especially in Europe and the U.S..
For example, in Germany, one of Tesla’s strongest markets, sales have fallen by more than 70% in just two months, according to Bloomberg.
Top Executives and Investors Are Selling Their Shares
Tesla’s troubles have led to a wave of selling by top executives and board members.
- James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, recently sold a large number of Tesla shares.
- Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk’s brother, sold $27 million worth of Tesla stock last month.
- In total, Tesla insiders have sold over $100 million worth of shares in recent weeks.
This kind of sell-off suggests that even people close to Musk don’t have confidence in Tesla’s future right now.
Tesla’s Brand Image Is Suffering
For years, Tesla was the go-to brand for people who cared about sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. But now, many of those same customers are turning away from the company because of Musk’s political views and online behavior.
The drop in Tesla’s sales in Europe and China is a clear sign that the brand’s reputation is no longer as strong as it once was. Meanwhile, competitors like BYD are offering better technology at lower prices, making it harder for Tesla to keep up.
Investors Are Losing Faith in Tesla
Tesla’s financial troubles haven’t gone unnoticed by Wall Street.
- Mizuho Securities, a major investment firm, recently cut its price target for Tesla by $85 per share.
- Analyst Vijay Rakesh pointed out four key reasons for Tesla’s struggles:
- Geopolitical issues – The world’s political climate is making investors nervous.
- Brand damage – Musk’s polarizing views have hurt Tesla’s image in Europe and the U.S..
- Stronger competition – Companies like BYD are offering better EVs at lower prices.
- Weaker demand – Tesla’s new Model Y refresh isn’t selling as well as expected.
Even longtime Tesla supporters are starting to doubt the company’s future.
Can Tesla Recover?
Despite everything, Tesla is still one of the biggest names in the EV industry. However, if the company wants to bounce back, it needs to:
- Stop the political drama and focus on the products.
- Develop better EV technology to keep up with competitors.
- Reassure investors that Tesla has a clear plan for the future.
If Musk continues to put personal politics before business, Tesla’s decline could continue.
