Tesla CEO Elon Musk is at the center of scrutiny over his role in President Donald Trump’s administration, with shareholders questioning how much time he devotes to growing the company versus engaging in politics. The electric vehicle maker reported its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, and investors are eager for clarity.
Musk has taken a high-profile advisory role in Washington, D.C., and has been critical of his past controversies. He also endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party and made a gesture that resembled a Nazi salute at an inauguration event, sparking criticism from historians and politicians.
Shareholders have raised concerns about Musk’s impact on Tesla’s brand value, with research firm Brand Finance finding that the company’s value fell by 26% last year. Some investors are worried that Musk’s politics could be affecting sales, and others want to know how Tesla plans to address the negative impacts of his public views.
With Trump in office, Musk has spent considerable time on campaign trail work and at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, leaving some investors wondering if he is providing enough focus to Tesla. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these issues.
As Tesla prepares for its earnings call, investors are eager for answers about how Musk will balance his role in the company with his involvement in politics.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/28/tesla-shareholders-want-answers-about-musk-salute-role-in-trump-wh.html