The Journal. cover image

The Journal.

Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

Mar 11, 2025
Becky Peterson, a WSJ reporter specializing in Tesla, dives into the turbulent impact of Elon Musk's political views on the electric vehicle giant. She discusses how Musk's controversial stance has led some loyal customers to abandon their Teslas, resulting in declining sales. The conversation explores Tesla's shift in strategy toward AI and robotics, highlighting innovations like the self-driving Cyber Cab. With Musk becoming a polarizing figure, Peterson sheds light on how these changes could redefine Tesla's appeal in a competitive market.
19:58

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Elon Musk's controversial political alignment has led to a significant decline in Tesla sales among core customers, particularly in traditionally supportive demographics.
  • Tesla is shifting its focus from vehicle sales to software and AI innovations, despite facing regulatory challenges and customer skepticism about future offerings.

Deep dives

Protests Erupt Against Tesla and Musk's Politics

Protests targeting Tesla have surged across the United States, with demonstrators utilizing Tesla showrooms, superchargers, and vehicles as venues for expressing discontent with Elon Musk's political involvement. In addition to peaceful protests, some Tesla locations have faced violent acts, such as arson and vandalism, reflecting a growing frustration among customers who feel disillusioned by Musk’s alignment with conservative politics. The financial impact on Tesla is evident, as sales have begun to decline, marking a stark contrast to the past decade of growth, with many consumers choosing to distance themselves from Musk by refusing purchases or selling their Teslas. This financial backlash stems from the belief that supporting Tesla equates to endorsing Musk’s controversial political stance, particularly as his influence has grown since the Trump administration.

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