Elon Musk crashes and burns
At his first cabinet meeting since returning to what he likes to imagine is his throne at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Donald Trump jokingly asked last week, “Anybody unhappy with Elon Musk? We will throw them out!” Unfortunately, it’s no joke. So many people are indeed unhappy with Musk, and that includes a growing number of angry Tesla owners, investors, and employees.
Elon Musk’s erratic, reckless behavior coupled with his flippant and hurtful remarks is causing real harm to Tesla. Many once-devoted customers who embraced the promise of Tesla’s innovation are now appalled by the de fact Co-President of the United States and Co-Wrecking Ball in Chief. “I felt nothing but utter disgust,” one former Tesla owner told The Guardian, adding that “I no longer enjoyed sitting in my Tesla.” For him, Musk’s repeated Nazi-esque salutes at Trump’s inauguration festivities was the tipping point.
This souring sentiment has helped contribute to plummeting Tesla sales worldwide, as competitors have been making strides in the electric vehicle market, according to a report from Bloomberg. NBC News put it bluntly: “But since mid-December, the tech titan’s net worth has declined by more than $100 billion, or approximately 25%, as a sell-off in shares of Tesla, his electric car maker, has accelerated in recent weeks.”
The new wave of anti-Tesla sentiment has also led to widespread protests. According to a report from Business Insider, angry customers have joined a “Tesla Takedown” effort, showing up with signs at over 100 dealerships across the United States to demand a boycott. One Tesla owner who was interviewed said he added “Anti Elon Tesla Club” and “I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy” stickers to his car window, hoping it will prevent his property from getting vandalized.
While Musk is focused on helping Trump destroy the country, he is ignoring serious financial and reputational issues that are germinating in his own backyard. It is a clear indication that Musk’s actions and behavior are becoming increasingly unpopular and offensive. Rather than heed this warning sign, Musk’s hubris will no doubt propel him to continue doubling down, consequences be damned.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month