In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through his loyal fanbase, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, announced during a recent Tesla earnings call on April 22, 2025, that he will significantly scale back his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) starting in May.
Musk, who has been a polarizing figure in both business and politics, stated that he intends to dedicate more time to Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures following a tumultuous period marked by a 71% plunge in Tesla’s profits and a 13% drop in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of 2025.
The news has left his supporters deeply concerned, with many taking to social media platforms like X to express their anxiety and offer prayers for Musk’s future endeavors.
Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration as a special government employee leading DOGE has been a lightning rod for controversy since its inception. Tasked with slashing federal spending and streamlining government operations, Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting measures sparked widespread protests, particularly at Tesla dealerships worldwide.
Critics argue that his political activities have damaged Tesla’s brand, alienating liberal and centrist customers who once championed the electric vehicle maker. Reports indicate that Tesla’s stock has plummeted 44% over the past year, with a 36% decline in the first quarter alone, marking its worst performance since 2022.
The backlash, coupled with growing competition from Chinese automakers like BYD, has placed Tesla in a precarious position, prompting Musk to reassess his priorities.
The decision to step back from DOGE, which Musk described as “mostly done,” comes as Tesla faces mounting challenges. The company reported a 9% drop in revenue to $19.3 billion, falling short of Wall Street’s expectations of $21.45 billion.
Automotive revenue plummeted by 20%, and net income took a devastating 71% hit compared to the same period last year. Musk attributed part of the sales decline to customers awaiting a refreshed Model Y, but analysts point to broader issues, including intense competition and the negative perception surrounding Musk’s political affiliations.
Chinese rival BYD, which has surpassed Tesla in quarterly EV sales, continues to gain ground, particularly as Trump’s trade war and high tariffs exacerbate Tesla’s challenges in the Chinese market, where its Gigafactory Shanghai produces nearly half of its vehicles.
Musk’s supporters, who have long admired his bold vision and relentless drive, are grappling with mixed emotions. Posts on X reflect a sense of unease, with users like @nettermike expressing gratitude for Musk’s efforts in government while urging others to spread appreciation for his work.
Others, such as @plattersdish, highlighted the significance of Musk’s shift back to Tesla, hoping it will restore the company’s momentum. For many, Musk’s announcement feels like a painful acknowledgment that his political foray may have come at the expense of Tesla’s success. “He’s spread too thin,” one supporter commented, echoing sentiments that Musk’s divided attention has hindered his ability to lead Tesla through a critical juncture.
Despite the setbacks, Musk remains defiant, insisting that Tesla is “not on the ragged edge of death” and doubling down on his vision for autonomous driving and robotaxis. He dismissed concerns about brand damage, claiming without evidence that protesters were motivated by “fraudulent money” tied to government handouts.
Musk also emphasized Tesla’s resilience against tariffs, citing its localized supply chains in North America, Europe, and China. However, his optimism has not fully reassured investors, with some analysts, like Dan Ives, warning that Tesla faces a “code red situation” unless Musk fully disengages from DOGE and refocuses on the company.
As Musk prepares to reduce his government role to one or two days a week, questions linger about the long-term impact of his White House tenure. Some speculate that his departure from DOGE, scheduled to conclude by May 30, 2025, could signal a return to the innovative leadership that made Tesla a household name.
Others worry that the damage to Tesla’s reputation may take years to repair, especially as competitors like BYD capitalize on the shifting EV landscape. For now, Musk’s supporters can only hope that his renewed focus on Tesla will spark a turnaround, restoring the company’s dominance and silencing its critics. As one fan poignantly wrote on X, “We’re praying for you, Elon. Tesla needs you now more than ever.”
