BUSINESS

Elon Musk's Big Shift: From Politics to Business

USAMon May 26 2025
Elon Musk has decided to step back from his government role to concentrate on his businesses. This move comes after his involvement with the DOGE Office, which has had a significant impact on his companies, especially Tesla. Musk's connection to the DOGE Office, known for its cost-cutting measures, has been a hot topic. Marketing expert Scott Galloway has even called it "one of the biggest brand setbacks" in recent history. Galloway, who teaches at New York University, believes Musk's political ties have harmed Tesla's reputation. Tesla, once a beloved brand, has seen a decline in profits and sales. A recent poll showed Tesla dropping from eighth to 95th place in the ranking of America's most visible companies. This drop is partly due to Musk's political activities, which have alienated many of Tesla's core customers. In the United States, Musk spent millions supporting a presidential campaign and became a public figure for the DOGE Office. While this made him popular with some, it also sparked a backlash. Protests at Tesla dealerships and showrooms have become common. During a recent earnings call, Tesla reported a 71% drop in earnings per share. Musk has acknowledged the need to refocus on his companies. He plans to spend less time on political campaigns in the future. "I must be super focused on 𝕏/xAI and Tesla, " Musk wrote on X, after the platform had issues with outages. He also mentioned an upcoming Starship launch, showing his commitment to his businesses. Galloway points out that Musk's political moves have alienated potential customers. "He's alienated the wrong people, " Galloway said. With three-quarters of Republicans not interested in electric vehicles, Musk's political alignment may not benefit Tesla in the long run. Musk's decision to step back from government work is a strategic move. By focusing on his companies, he hopes to reverse the damage done to Tesla's brand. The future of Tesla and Musk's other ventures will depend on his ability to balance his political views with his business goals.

questions

    What metrics or data points support the claim that Tesla's brand has been significantly destroyed?
    Is there evidence that the DOGE office was a front for a larger agenda to undermine Tesla?
    What are the specific actions taken by Musk that have led to the purported brand destruction of Tesla?

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