Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona has decided to sell his Tesla. He posted a video on social media explaining his reasons. Kelly said he bought the car because it was fast, but now he feels like it represents something he does not support. He believes that Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump are making harmful decisions for the country. Mark Kelly does not agree with their plans to cut government programs like Social Security and healthcare. He feels that getting rid of his Tesla is the right decision.
Tesla Ownership Becomes a Political Statement for Many
Many people now see Tesla ownership as a political issue. Some Tesla owners have reported being harassed online. The controversy has also led to vandalism at several Tesla dealerships. In Florida, 34 new Cybertrucks were damaged and spray-painted with anti-Musk messages. In Colorado, vandals smashed windows, painted red Xs on Cybertrucks, and even attempted to start a fire. Some people see these acts as political protests, while others believe they are criminal attacks on a major American company.
Fear of Vandalism May Be Hurting Tesla Sales
Some experts believe that fear of vandalism is affecting Tesla sales. Analyst Ben Kallo told CNBC that potential buyers may hesitate if they worry about their cars being targeted. Even people who like Musk or do not care about politics might reconsider buying a Tesla. This shift in perception could have long-term consequences for the brand, especially as electric vehicle competition grows.
More Sales Now Coming From Conservative States
For many years, liberals were the biggest supporters of electric cars. However, recent data suggests that Tesla sales are now increasing in conservative states like Texas and Florida. Some analysts believe this is because many liberals no longer want to be associated with Elon Musk. As a result, Cybertruck registrations are rising in traditionally Republican-leaning areas, while dropping in states where Democrats are more dominant.
Donald Trump Stands by Musk and Defends Car Owners
Former President Donald Trump recently showed his support for Musk and Tesla. While standing next to Musk and five Tesla vehicles at the White House, Trump suggested labeling attacks on Tesla owners as “domestic terrorism.” He argued that harming an American company like Tesla is damaging to the country. Trump emphasized that Tesla provides many jobs and that efforts to undermine it should be stopped immediately. Mark Kelly continues to express concerns about Musk’s influence.
Government Officials Push for an Investigation Into Attacks
Some Republican leaders are calling for an official investigation into attacks on Tesla and Musk. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and her colleagues sent a letter to top law enforcement officials. They are urging authorities to look into what they call “organized” attacks against Tesla. They believe that coordinated efforts to damage Tesla’s reputation and property should be treated seriously.
Tesla’s Stock Value Has Dropped Significantly in Recent Months
Tesla’s stock has seen a major decline, falling by 50% since December. Analysts believe this could be due to several factors. The electric vehicle market is struggling, and Tesla’s branding has become more controversial due to Musk’s political views. Experts at JPMorgan stated that no other car brand has lost value this quickly in history. They compared it to past diplomatic disputes that hurt Japanese and Korean car sales in China. Senator Mark Kelly’s statements might be contributing to the drop in stock value.
Tesla’s Stock Price Shows Small Recovery This Week
Despite its recent struggles, Tesla’s stock showed a small improvement on Friday. Around 3 p.m., the stock price had risen by $10, reaching about $250 per share. This slight increase may signal that some investors still have confidence in the company. However, with political controversy continuing to surround Tesla and Musk, the company’s future remains uncertain.
