Leftist vandals continue to target Tesla vehicles even as Elon Musk announces plans to step back from DOGE and refocus on his struggling electric car company.
At a Glance
- Elon Musk will reduce his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to focus more on Tesla starting next month
- Tesla’s profits have plummeted 71% compared to last year, creating what Wall Street calls a “code red” situation
- Tesla vehicles have been vandalized with slashed tires, broken windows, and graffiti due to Musk’s role in the Trump administration
- Musk plans to spend just “a day or two” weekly on DOGE while ramping up attention to Tesla’s innovation challenges
- President Trump expressed desire for Musk to continue his government work but acknowledges his business responsibilities
Tesla Takes Priority as DOGE Work Winds Down
Elon Musk is shifting his focus back to Tesla after establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for the Trump administration. During Tesla’s recent earnings call, Musk announced plans to significantly reduce his government involvement starting next month, citing the completion of DOGE’s major foundational work. Musk’s special government employee status, which limits his work to 130 days per year, expires at the end of May, prompting this transition of priorities. The billionaire entrepreneur intends to maintain a minimal presence in government affairs, dedicating just one or two days weekly to DOGE while increasing his leadership role at his electric vehicle company.
“Starting next month, I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla, and now that the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency is done,” Elon Musk said during Tesla’s earnings call.
Financial Pressures Mount as Tesla Faces 71% Profit Drop
The decision to step back from government duties comes amid significant financial challenges for Tesla. The company reported a staggering 71% drop in profit compared to the first quarter of last year, creating what investors have described as a “code red” situation if Musk doesn’t refocus his attention. This dramatic decline has been attributed to a perfect storm of factors including increased competition in the electric vehicle market, political backlash, and ongoing tariff issues. Wall Street analysts have been pressuring Musk to prioritize Tesla, with many concerned that his divided attention between multiple companies and government work has negatively impacted the automaker’s performance.
The shift away from DOGE responsibilities aligns with Musk’s long-term vision for Tesla, particularly regarding the development of affordable electric vehicles and advancing autonomous driving technologies. With intensifying competition from both traditional automakers and new electric vehicle startups, Tesla faces mounting pressure to innovate while maintaining its market position. The company’s future success hinges on navigating these economic challenges while simultaneously addressing the social and political controversies that have emerged from Musk’s government involvement.
Vandalism and Protests Target Tesla Over Musk’s Government Role
Tesla has become collateral damage in the political firestorm surrounding Musk’s role in the Trump administration. The company has experienced a disturbing wave of vandalism against its vehicles, with reports of slashed tires, broken windows, and graffiti targeting cars owned by everyday Americans. These acts appear to be politically motivated retaliation against Musk’s DOGE position rather than legitimate protests against the company’s products or practices. The targeting of Tesla vehicles has sparked outrage among owners and supporters who note that the company produces environmentally friendly transportation that aligns with many progressive values.
“I think a great wrong is being done to the people of Tesla and to our customers,” Elon Musk said, addressing the attacks on the company.
Musk has forcefully condemned these attacks, defending Tesla as a company that creates beneficial products and harms no one. The protests have expanded globally, with demonstrations against both Musk and Tesla occurring in multiple countries. Controversially, Musk has claimed these protests are funded by “fraudulent money,” though he has not provided evidence for this assertion. The backlash highlights the complex relationship between corporate leadership and political involvement, especially when a CEO’s government role becomes as high-profile as Musk’s position within the Trump administration.
President Trump Acknowledges Musk’s Necessary Transition
President Trump has expressed his desire for Musk to remain involved with DOGE as long as possible, while acknowledging the businessman’s need to attend to his corporate responsibilities. “We’re in no rush, but there will be a point in time in which Elon’s going to have to leave,” Trump said regarding Musk’s eventual departure. Despite reducing his day-to-day involvement, Musk has indicated willingness to continue supporting DOGE’s mission “for as long as the President would like me to do so, and as long as it is useful,” suggesting an ongoing advisory role rather than a complete disengagement from government efficiency initiatives.
Musk’s continued willingness to allocate some time to government work indicates he remains committed to advancing efficiency reforms while balancing his primary responsibilities to Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures. As one of America’s most prominent business leaders and innovators, Musk’s strategic pivot aims to restore confidence among stakeholders while maintaining a connection to the administration’s efficiency goals.
