Elon Musk’s recent actions have had a significant impact on Tesla’s image among conservatives. The company, once seen as a symbol of liberal values, has become a target for protests in over 100 cities across the US. These protests, sparked by Musk’s efforts to fire federal workers and dismantle government agencies, have resulted in vandalism of vehicles, violent incidents at Tesla facilities, and even the use of Molotov cocktails.
Despite the controversy, some conservative owners have taken to applying bumper stickers disavowing Musk’s politics or using badges to disguise the Tesla logo. Fox News host Sean Hannity has even publicly endorsed Tesla, saying he’d buy a Model S sedan for his staff and give one away on his website.
However, not everyone is convinced. Analyst Dan Ives warns that Musk’s actions are “poisonous” among Democrats, who were once associated with owning Teslas. Meanwhile, investors remain bullish on Tesla, citing the company’s plans to double production in the US within two years as a positive sign.
The controversy surrounding Tesla has also led to a decline in sales in several key markets, including Germany, Norway, France, and Spain. According to registration data reported by Electrek, Tesla sales have fallen by 71% in Germany, 45% in Norway, and 44% in both France and Spain, over the first two months of 2025.
As Musk continues to push forward with his ambitious plans for self-driving cars and humanoid robots, it remains to be seen whether his efforts will ultimately drive consumer interest in Tesla. With the company’s stock hemorrhaging $800 billion in market cap since December, investors are watching closely to see how Musk recommitts to the brand.
For now, one thing is clear: Elon Musk’s politics have supercharged Tesla’s evolution from a liberal status symbol to a conservative protectorate. The question is whether this shift will ultimately benefit or harm the company’s reputation and bottom line.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/tesla-trump-white-house-musk