Has Tesla Tried to Remove Elon Musk?

Tesla has denied reports that it has approached recruitment firms to find a successor to Elon Musk.

This statement comes after a Wall Street Journal article claimed that Tesla’s board of directors had initiated this process last month, frustrated by the limited time Musk devotes to Tesla and the decline in stock price.

On Thursday, Tesla called these claims “completely false,” while Elon Musk denounced on the X platform (formerly Twitter) a “discrediting of journalism”. Tesla’s board chair, Robyn Denholm, also denied these allegations, reaffirming the board’s confidence in Musk to successfully lead the company’s growth projects.

This controversy arises as Musk has promised to reduce his involvement in his government role, attracting criticism. Since his appointment to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a recently created entity under the Trump administration, his dual roles have been divisive. Some clients and investors express dissatisfaction with his political opinions and divided attention, affecting Tesla’s financial performance. Boycotts and protests, sometimes involving vandalism, have also targeted the company.

Does Musk Really Want to Stay at Tesla?

During an earnings call, Musk announced that he would dedicate more time to Tesla. However, doubts remain about his schedule, although he is required to limit his government role to 130 days per year.

Furthermore, Musk continues to juggle his responsibilities at Tesla and SpaceX. On Wednesday, he jokingly remarked on his workload by appearing with two hats during a government meeting. He also suggested that the U.S. Federal Reserve should be audited, a controversial proposal that could call his independence into question.

Musk’s statements and the tensions surrounding his role reflect complex challenges, not only for his management of Tesla but also for his public image, directly influencing investors’ and customers’ perceptions of the company.

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