Musk Leaves Washington, Yet His True Tesla Challenges Have Just Started | Carscoops

      As Musk transitions back to private life, he confronts dwindling sales and ongoing protests

      18 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Elon Musk's tenure as a special government employee has concluded.

      Although he has stepped away from government duties, he remains under scrutiny from the Tesla Takedown movement.

      Last month, Tesla sales in Europe saw a decline of 52.6%, attributed to intensifying competition in the electric vehicle market.

      Today marks the final day of Elon Musk's term as a special government employee, effectively concluding his role as the unofficial leader of DOGE. Despite exiting the Trump administration, his challenges persist.

      The Tesla Takedown movement asserts that the “battle is far from over,” as Musk still retains direct access to the President, which they believe “fuels conspiracies and fascist rhetoric.” The group declared that “Musk must fall.”

      More: Tesla Sales Plummet Over 80% In Sweden And This Is Just The Start

      In support of their cause, they plan to protest at Tesla dealerships and charging stations on May 31. Most actions are expected along the East and West coasts, with additional gatherings scheduled in regions such as Colorado, Michigan, and Texas.

      As my appointed time as a Special Government Employee concludes, I’d like to express my gratitude to President @realDonaldTrump for allowing me to curtail unnecessary spending. The @DOGE mission will continue to gain strength as it becomes integrated into government life. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 29, 2025

      The group is also gearing up to commemorate Elon Musk’s birthday on June 28. Details about the ‘celebration’ are sparse, but Tesla Takedown anticipates it to be their “largest global action yet.”

      Organizer Lara Starr from Tesla Takedown stated, “Tesla cannot be separated from Musk, and Musk cannot be separated from Trump and the unethical, illegal, and authoritarian actions of his administration.” She continued, “We may not all travel to Washington or Mar-a-Lago, or another Trump venue, but we can show up at hundreds of Tesla stores and charging stations to visibly express our outrage.”

      Protests May Be the Least of Musk’s Worries

      While the protests are set to proceed, Musk is facing far more pressing issues. One of the most significant concerns is a substantial decline in sales, which can be partially attributed to his political stance.

      Recent data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association indicates that Tesla registrations plummeted 52.6% in April. The company's performance was similarly disappointing, down 46.1% in the first quarter of the year.

      These figures are concerning, especially during a time when electric vehicles are gaining traction. The EAMA highlighted that “In the first four months of 2025, new battery-electric car sales surged by 26.4%, totaling 558,262 units, and capturing 15.3% of the total EU market share.”

      Moreover, Tesla's struggles are not confined to Europe; the brand has also witnessed considerable drops in other regions. According to Business Insider, Tesla sales in Quebec, Canada, fell by 85% in the first quarter, with only 524 vehicles sold. The Model 3, in particular, suffered a severe decline, with sales plummeting by 94%.