Elon Musk: The Man Who Sank Tesla

As Elon Musk delves deeper into American politics, attempting to dismantle its governmental structure, Tesla is left without a CEO and continues to drift aimlessly. In key markets like China, Europe, and Latin America, the company is rapidly losing ground. Sales of its electric cars, which once symbolized innovation and progress, are plummeting in the face of growing competition. Adding to the problem is the reputational damage Musk’s political controversies have inflicted on the brand.

Tesla once stood for a commitment to the environment and cutting-edge technology, but today, many of its customers feel embarrassed to be associated with the image of its founder. Between Nazi salutes, favorable comments about Hitler, and mass layoffs at government agencies, Musk has squandered in months the value of a company he built over years. To make matters worse, Donald Trump decided to endorse him with a grotesque stunt: purchasing a Tesla from the White House and urging his supporters to do the same, turning what could have been a business strategy into a political spectacle.

But reality keeps hitting Musk hard. BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle giant, overtook Tesla in sales last year. In Germany, Tesla's numbers have plummeted in response to Musk’s open support for the far-right AfD party. SpaceX is also facing problems: one of its experimental rockets exploded into a thousand pieces over the Gulf of Mexico, and key Starlink contracts have been canceled due to its leader's instability. Meanwhile, his promise of fully autonomous cars remains unfulfilled, while BYD has already developed vehicles capable of recharging in minutes. The future looks bright for BYD; for Tesla, however, the outlook is bleak.

BYD is now reconsidering its previous plans to establish a car plant in Mexico, fearing that the U.S. could exploit its proximity to steal China’s cutting-edge technology.

Any other CEO would respond to these warning signs, but Musk remains obsessed with his "government efficiency agency," which he claims will save Trump’s administration billions. However, instead of cutting costs, it has generated exorbitant expenses and paralyzed essential operations. Musk boasts about working hundreds of hours a week, but his time seems divided between launching attacks on X, playing the victim, and sharing conspiracy theories—along with his well-known passion for video games, which he enjoys in his private gaming setup inside his government office.

Adding to his troubles are personal issues: over ten children, multiple child support lawsuits, and an evident lack of attention to his businesses. The “Tesla Chainsaw Massacre” continues, with the company’s stock value collapsing and investors growing increasingly concerned, distancing themselves from Tesla and any other Musk-affiliated venture. Even those who once backed him financially are now warning about the risks of betting on his projects.

Meanwhile, Tesla faces another unexpected enemy: social protest. Activists have organized boycotts against dealerships selling the brand, and in extreme cases, have even carried out vandalism against Tesla vehicles and their owners. Even in California, one of its strongest markets, the state’s progressive population seems to be turning against him.

Tesla has not only lost the momentum that made it a leader in the industry but also its stability. Musk made his last name synonymous with the brand, but now that his name carries negative connotations, he is dragging the company into an abyss. It is unlikely that he will regain his popularity—and with it, Tesla’s market value. Musk has proven to be an unstable leader, and investors do not forgive instability. The downfall has not yet hit rock bottom. Now, SpaceX has become Musk’s most valuable asset, primarily due to government contracts and subsidies.

Musk has promised to reach Mars by 2026—will this be yet another false promise used to buy time?