Tesla Faces Lowest Sales in Three Years Amid Musk Controversy and Political Backlash
Tesla's Q1 sales plummet 13% as competition rises and backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political role intensifies, leading to significant stock volatility.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedTesla's shares have lost more than a quarter of their value since the beginning of this year.
Tesla sales unexpectedly plunge after Elon Musk backlash
BBC News·18d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Tesla shares rose Wednesday after Politico reported that Elon Musk could leave his post at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, paving the way for the CEO to return his focus on the struggling electric vehicle maker.
Tesla shares rise on report Elon Musk could be leaving DOGE post soon
CNBC·18d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.It seems the Tesla billionaire may have overstayed his welcome.
'Humiliation': Musk mocked after report says he'll be stepping back from 'hatchet man' job
AlterNet·18d
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.The manufactured outrage against Musk is not about policy; it is about power.
The real reason elites want to destroy Elon Musk
The Blaze·18d
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.Questions over Musk’s focus on Tesla have been a significant concern for investors of late.
Tesla Shares Rally on Hopes Elon Musk Will Refocus on Carmaker
Bloomberg·18d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The sales report shows the biggest-ever quarterly decline in sales for Tesla, which delivered 336,681 vehicles in the first three months of the year compared to 386,810 from the same period in 2024.
Tesla's quarterly sales fall 13%. Experts blame Musk
NPR·18d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The number of reported attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations has now surpassed more than 50 amid Elon Musk’s growing influence in the Trump administration and the entrepreneur not holding back on voicing his right-leaning political views.
Number of Tesla attacks soars past 50 as violence targeting Musk's company escalates
FOX News·18d
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.Tesla's sales figures were Tesla’s worst in three years, and the 13% drop is the steepest decline in the company’s history.
Tesla deliveries drop 13% as attacks and protests target company - Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner·18d
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.Tesla remains a story stock.
Should you buy Tesla stock while it's below $300?
USA TODAY·18d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Compounding Tesla’s troubles is the growing fallout from the Cybertruck, which appears to be turning into a public relations and resale disaster.
Tesla Dealers Reportedly Refusing to take Cybertruck Trade-Ins Amid 13% Sales Plunge
MEDIAite·18d
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The disappointing delivery report was a “disaster on every metric,” according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, a longtime Tesla bull.
Tesla deliveries plunge ‘disastrous’ 13% as Elon Musk faces public outcry over DOGE
New York Post·18d
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
Summary
In Q1 2025, Tesla reported its lowest vehicle deliveries in three years, down 13% from last year. This decline has been attributed to growing competition and backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political involvement, particularly his work with the Trump administration. Analysts express deep concerns over Musk's focus on politics rather than Tesla's product strategy. Despite a recent rise in Tesla's shares following speculation that Musk may step back from political duties, many industry experts warn of potential long-term ramifications for the brand if the situation doesn't improve.
Perspectives
Tesla's Q1 deliveries fell 13%, attributed to increased competition and Elon Musk's controversial political role, causing investor concerns about the brand's future.
Following reports of Musk possibly stepping back from the Trump administration, Tesla's stock initially dropped but later saw a slight recovery, highlighting investor hopes for improved focus on the company.
Analysts express worry regarding Musk's political involvement hurting Tesla's brand, with calls for him to concentrate on core business issues instead.
FAQs
No FAQs available for this story.