Musk Plays Political Roulette as Tesla Burns

Elon Musk just dropped a BOMBSHELL on Tesla’s earnings call – he’s staying in Trump’s DOGE trenches despite a 71% profit nosedive and global protests. This isn’t just corporate drama; this is a high-stakes gamble that could reshape Tesla’s future.

“I’ll stay as long as the President wants me… and as long as it’s useful.”

Elon Musk, Tesla Q1 2025 Earnings Call

The Brutal Numbers Don’t Lie

While Musk plays government disruptor, Tesla’s bleeding out:

• 71% profit collapse year-over-year
• “Code red” warnings from Wall Street allies
• Sales tanking from “political sentiment” (Tesla’s own admission)
• Global protests hitting showrooms worldwide

Musk’s Dangerous Game

The DOGE “wood chipper” approach to gutting agencies has turned Musk into Public Enemy #1 for bureaucrats worldwide. His response? Doubling down with wild, evidence-free claims:

“They’re protesting because they’re receiving fraudulent money, or the recipients of waste.”

Musk dismissing protesters

The Ticking Clock

Musk claims the “major work” at DOGE is done, allowing him to scale back to 1-2 days weekly. But here’s the catch:

• He’s already burned through most of his 130-day annual limit as a “special government employee”
• Trump could demand more time as 2026 midterms approach
• Every day in DC is another day Tesla loses ground to competitors

Bottom Line: Musk’s Reckoning Is Coming

This isn’t just about government efficiency – it’s about whether Tesla can survive its CEO’s political obsession. With profits evaporating and the brand taking unprecedented hits, shareholders are right to ask: At what point does DOGE become more liability than legacy?