It’s a challenging time to be a Tesla owner. In recent months, Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has found himself deeply embroiled in controversy, particularly due to his close ties to former President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk’s increasingly erratic behavior and questionable decisions have not only raised eyebrows but also led to widespread backlash. His actions have left many Tesla owners feeling conflicted, as they grapple with their loyalty to the brand and their distaste for Musk’s political stance and behavior. As a result, some owners are choosing to part ways with their vehicles, while others are finding creative ways to voice their frustrations.
At the heart of the uproar is Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration, which has been marked by what many view as an overreach of authority and poor judgment. For instance, his decision to oversee significant changes within federal agencies has resulted in the firing or layoff of tens of thousands of government employees. This, combined with Musk’s erratic behavior—including a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during a speech—has alienated many Tesla shareholders and drivers. The fallout has been economically significant, with Tesla’s stock plummeting more than 8% this week alone. The drop follows a 45% decline in European Union and United Kingdom sales in January, underscoring the growing dissatisfaction with the brand.
The backlash against Tesla has also been personal for many owners, who once saw the brand as a symbol of innovation and environmentalism but now feel betrayed by Musk’s actions. Doug, a Tesla owner from Arizona, shared his disillusionment, saying that he and his father traded in their Model 3s for Lexus electric vehicles after Musk’s behavior became increasingly concerning. “I admired Elon’s vision and his mission for helping to save the planet,” Doug admitted, “but Elon has gone off the rails since the election. I can’t understand how he could be alienating the base of people who supported him and his environmentalism mission.” Stories like Doug’s are becoming increasingly common, as more owners choose to divest from the brand.
The movement to distance oneself from Tesla has gained momentum, with protests and social media campaigns gaining traction. In over 100 cities, including Seattle, picketers have gathered outside Tesla showrooms, holding signs that read “Burn a Tesla: Save Democracy” and “Don’t Buy Swasticars.” The hashtag #TeslaTakedown has become a rallying cry for those who feel that Musk’s actions have tainted the brand. For some owners, the decision to sell their Tesla is not just about politics—it’s about personal values. Sheryl Crow, the Grammy-winning singer, recently sold her Tesla Model S in protest of Musk’s actions and donated the proceeds to NPR, which she believes is under threat from Musk’s influence.
The situation is particularly fraught for Cybertruck owners, who already faced criticism for the vehicle’s controversial design and high price tag. Now, with Musk’s association with far-right ideologies and his failure to address the proliferation of neo-Nazi accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Cybertruck drivers are facing increased harassment. Kumait Jaroje, a Cybertruck owner, described how the atmosphere shifted from curiosity and playful jokes to outright hostility. “Then suddenly, I’m getting middle fingers, people yelling at me, acting like I just drove out of a Trump rally,” he said. Photos of vandalized Cybertrucks, including one tagged with a swastika in Manhattan, have further highlighted the escalating tensions.
Despite the growing movement to distance oneself from Tesla, not everyone is ready to part with their vehicles. Some, like Mike from New Jersey, are holding on to their Teslas out of practicality and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Mike, whose family typically keeps cars for years, is not planning to sell his Tesla but has vowed not to purchase another one. Others, like Skylar from Chicago, are looking to switch to other electric vehicle brands, such as the Polestar 3, as a way to maintain their commitment to sustainability without supporting Musk. For these individuals, the decision to sell their Tesla is not just about politics but also about personal values and the desire to separate their environmentalism from Musk’s increasingly polarizing actions.
In the midst of all this turmoil, there is at least one person benefiting from the backlash: Matt Hiller, a Hawaiian man who sells anti-Musk stickers for Tesla owners. Hiller’s stickers, which include slogans like “I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy” and “Elon Killed My Resale Value,” have become a hit among Tesla drivers looking for a way to distance themselves from Musk without giving up their cars. Hiller estimates he has sold over 40,000 stickers worldwide, with many customers expressing relief at having a way to signal their disapproval of Musk while still enjoying their vehicles. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the relationship between Tesla owners and the brand they once cheeringly supported is at a crossroads. While some are eagerly awaiting the chance to trade in their Teslas for other electric vehicles, others are finding ways to navigate the complexities of loving the car but loathing the man behind the brand. For now, the Tesla community remains divided, with the hope that the brand’s vision of a sustainable future can one day be disentangled from the controversial figure at its helm.
