The electric car brand was once a liberal favourite – but the CEO’s embrace of Trump has led to an angry backlash

Summary

Elon Musk’s vocal support for Donald Trump and promotion of far-right conspiracy theories has alienated many Tesla owners, who now express embarrassment over their cars.

Sales of anti-Musk stickers, such as “Anti Elon Tesla Club,” have surged as owners distance themselves from Musk’s politics.

Once admired by liberals for his environmental advocacy, Musk’s alignment with Trump and leadership in his administration have sparked backlash.

While Tesla remains the dominant EV maker, analysts warn Musk’s polarizing image may impact sales as competition grows and Trump plans to cut EV tax incentives.

  • metaStatic@kbin.earth
    10·
    23 days ago

    I believe he was always awful he was just bad at showing it, the balding man child with no public speaking skills was kinda relateable.

    Unfortunately his core audience didn’t get the hairplugs and cocaine nose jobs required to keep him relateable.

    • MrVilliam@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      22 days ago

      Yeah, you’re probably right. I never thought “good” was on the table for him, but if he had used his wealth to get enough good things done for everybody, I could’ve overlooked a few things and thought of him as “okay”.

      • metaStatic@kbin.earth
        6·
        22 days ago

        I honestly don’t think he ever tried to hide it, just ask his employees from the time.

        He was simply terribly awkward in public and people mistook him for a normal guy.