Elon Musk is facing a whirlwind of controversy, including boycotts, vandalism, and violent protests at Tesla dealerships. As CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, Musk added another role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to cut $2 trillion in government spending. This move, along with mass layoffs, has made him more divisive. Tesla’s market cap dropped by $800 million, with Musk losing $29 billion in a day. Some have criticized Musk for his actions, while others defend him, hoping his stock will rebound.

Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration has added to his controversies. After a satirical sketch by The Daily Show mocking a Tesla promotion outside the White House, Musk responded with a five-word message: “Thanks for helping sell Teslas!!” This exchange highlights his growing feud with late-night hosts and critics like Mike Myers and Stephen King. Meanwhile, protests against Tesla escalate, with arson attacks targeting dealerships.

Tesla’s investor base is feeling the heat. Wealth manager Ross Gerber believes Musk’s focus on politics has neglected the carmaker, arguing Tesla needs a new CEO. He points to Musk’s distractions, declining stock, and growing competition as reasons for the company’s struggles. Gerber suggests Musk should either return to Tesla full-time or step aside for someone else to lead the company. Musk’s political involvement and divisive actions have hurt Tesla’s reputation, contributing to public anger and sales declines.

Musk is also involved in a legal battle, seeking to reclaim a $56 billion pay package he claims was wrongly rescinded. Tesla’s stock value has plummeted since he was awarded the package in 2018, but if reinstated, it would allow Musk to purchase millions of shares at a much lower price, significantly boosting his wealth. Despite the current drop in Tesla’s valuation, Musk’s push for more control and financial gains continues.