Tesla is facing a bumpy road. Reports indicate a global decline in sales, a significant drop in Elon Musk's net worth, and even anecdotal evidence suggesting a growing reluctance to discuss the company's controversial leader. What's behind this downturn?
Declining Sales and Political Fallout
Multiple sources point to a worrying trend for Tesla: a decrease in sales worldwide. This decline is reportedly linked to Elon Musk's increasing association with politically divisive figures and groups. His alignment with President Trump and other right-wing entities has seemingly alienated a portion of Tesla's customer base.
The impact is tangible. As one report stated, Tesla sales are falling globally as Elon Musk ties himself to President Trump and other right-wing groups.
Musk's Wealth Takes a Hit
The sales slump has had a direct impact on Elon Musk's personal fortune. Since the start of 2025, his net worth has reportedly fallen by almost 25%, a staggering $102 billion. Concerns about his political stances, his focus (or lack thereof), and the declining Tesla sales are all weighing heavily on the company's stock.
“Elon Musk's net worth has fallen by almost 25% since the start of 2025 as concerns about his politics, focus, and Tesla sales weigh on the stock,” one report emphasized.
Even Uber and Lyft Drivers Are Avoiding the Topic
The controversy surrounding Elon Musk has even trickled down to the gig economy. Uber and Lyft drivers who use Teslas are reportedly avoiding discussing Musk with their passengers. Why? To preserve their tips in an increasingly competitive environment.
These drivers understand that political discussions can be risky, and they're prioritizing their earnings. As one article highlighted, Uber and Lyft drivers with Teslas reveal how they handle passenger questions about Elon Musk to preserve tips in a competitive gig economy.
Competition Heats Up
Adding to Tesla's challenges, competition in the electric vehicle market is intensifying. Other companies are vying for market share, and even in seemingly unrelated sectors, Musk's ventures face challenges. For example, Eutelsat, a European competitor to Musk's Starlink, is negotiating to strengthen satellite services in Ukraine, potentially replacing Starlink in certain applications. This shows the increasing pressure Musk's companies face from various angles.
While Tesla remains a dominant player in the EV market, these recent developments paint a concerning picture. The company faces challenges on multiple fronts, from declining sales and a plummeting stock price to increasing competition and a growing reluctance among even ride-sharing drivers to discuss its controversial leader. Whether Tesla can navigate these turbulent times remains to be seen.