Tesla Brand Plummets Amid Musk’s DJOE Role, Expert Says

Marketing professor Scott Galloway has criticized Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), calling it "one of the greatest brand destructions" in history, particularly impacting Tesla's reputation and sales. Galloway argues that Musk alienated Tesla's core electric vehicle customer base by aligning with Trump supporters, most of whom are reportedly uninterested in EVs, leading to Tesla's steep decline in brand reputation from 8th to 95th place in the Axios Harris Poll between 2021 and 2025. Tesla has also experienced significant sales drops across major markets, including a 59% decline in France, 81% in Sweden, and 74% in the Netherlands, with competition from rivals like BYD increasing notably in Europe. Galloway further condemned the DOGE's recommendations, such as cutting the IRS budget by 50%, which he says would increase uncollected taxes by $400 billion, negating any cost-saving claims. In response to Tesla's struggles, Musk announced plans to reduce his involvement with DOGE and refocus on Tesla and his other companies. Despite Musk's brilliance, Galloway emphasizes that Musk has "alienated the wrong people," highlighting the political and market challenges Tesla now faces due to his recent political engagements.