Tesla Faces Protests, Stock Drop Amid DOGE Backlash

Elon Musk's net worth has plummeted by approximately $121 billion since December, primarily attributed to widespread protests against his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a significant decline in Tesla's stock price. While Musk claims the protests are influencing stock sales, some analysts suggest that broader market conditions and his perceived lack of focus are also contributing factors. Tesla's stock has dropped nearly 45% from its December peak, reflecting a worrying trend as protests and vandalism at Tesla showrooms grow in response to DOGE's aggressive budget cuts. Despite these challenges, Errol Musk, Elon’s father, downplayed concerns over the backlash and suggested that negative publicity could serve as beneficial marketing for Tesla. He argued that the current market volatility is cyclical and that Elon remains unaffected by the stock's performance. Musk himself has indicated that while he expects a significant impact from tariffs and market conditions, he views stock fluctuations as part of a natural cycle.