Late last month, 59-year-old David Andreone made a tough decision. He decided to list his beloved black Tesla Model 3 for sale on social media after feeling a deep sense of betrayal towards Tesla’s co-founder and CEO, Elon Musk.
Selling the car wasn’t easy. Andreone listed the car for $35,000, but despite receiving comments, no serious buyers emerged.
On Thursday, the LA Times reported that Tesla owners like Andreone are expressing their disillusionment with Musk in various ways, with some even selling their vehicles in protest.
Once hailed as a climate change champion, Musk faces widespread criticism in the U.S. and Europe. His efforts to roll back environmental protections during the Trump administration and his current role in spearheading federal restructuring as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have sparked controversy.
Andreone explained that he has never bought or rented a car for political reasons. “Now I feel like I want to get rid of one for political reasons. I’m just kind of shocked and appalled at what he’s doing,” he added.
Some owners are finding creative ways to voice their frustration with Musk. 75-year-old Dan Bateman purchased his Tesla five years ago with the noble goal of helping to phase out gas-guzzling vehicles.
“My original statement was that I’m doing my small part toward ending climate change,” Bateman said. “There wouldn’t be electric cars on the road without Elon and it seems like he’s turned his back on that. I feel like I’ve been betrayed.”
To express his disappointment, Bateman added a bumper sticker to his car: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.” Similar stickers are now widely available in online shops.
Industry analysts suggest that the public backlash against Musk’s political activities could further impact Tesla’s already declining stock prices and vehicle resale values.
Tesla’s stock price plummeted 26% last month, and reports emerged in January indicating the company’s first-ever decline in annual vehicle sales.
Bateman lamented that his Tesla, originally purchased for about $90,000, has now depreciated to a mere $13,000.
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, advised that Musk needs to balance his roles as Tesla’s CEO and his position at DOGE.
