Elon Musk Faces Backlash Over Political Ties

Elon Musk's political influence and support for Donald Trump are causing significant backlash for Tesla, particularly in liberal areas like Seattle, where the brand is now viewed as politically divisive. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to exclude Tesla from a new electric vehicle rebate program appears to be a targeted move against Musk, reflecting ongoing tensions between the governor and the entrepreneur. Meanwhile, a Delaware judge upheld a decision against Musk's $56 billion compensation package, raising concerns about his future role at Tesla. Despite this, some investors remain optimistic about Musk's influence potentially benefiting the company, while others, like Ross Gerber, warn of significant challenges facing Tesla. The backlash against Tesla's brand is evident, with reported instances of vandalism and declining sales in Washington state. Overall, these developments highlight the complex and often contentious relationship between Musk's political stance and Tesla's market position.