Tesla faces recall backlash amid political firestorm over founder Elon Musk

Elon Musk has long been a polarizing figure — alternatively hailed as a visionary for spearheading the electric vehicle revolution while also drawing fierce criticism for his increasingly hard-right politics. 

But his latest role as Donald Trump’s “hatchet man,” overseeing the destruction of entire federal departments through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is now threatening Tesla’s future amid a recall of its near-iconic Cybertruck and acts of vandalism at Tesla dealerships.

On Thursday, the company announced the recall of almost every Cybertruck made since it went into full production in later 2023, or 46,000 units.

The issue appears to be faulty installation of a stainless steel bodypart that’s susceptible to falling off while driving, causing the potnetial for property damage or even injury.

Meanwhile, demonstrations against Musk’s cost-cutting efforts within the Trump administration have erupted at showrooms worldwide, with fires set at Tesla dealerships and charging stations in multiple states. The backlash has reached such a fever pitch that the Vancouver International Auto Show abruptly removed Tesla from its lineup, citing security concerns.

Musk’s deepening ties to Trump — including his reported role in dismantling agencies like the US Agency for International Development — have driven Tesla’s stock down nearly 40% since January. 

Investors fear that Musk’s aggressive government downsizing, which has already slashed jobs and gutted key federal programs, is tarnishing Tesla’s brand beyond repair.

Dan Ives, a top Tesla analyst and longtime supporter, warned that Musk’s political entanglements have triggered a “brand tornado crisis moment” that could spiral into long-term damage.

“The brand damage started off as limited,” Ives wrote in a note to investors, “but now it has spread globally.” 

He called for Musk to scale back his involvement with Trump, warning that Tesla was at a “moment of truth.”

Tesla’s troubles go beyond politics. The company’s latest recall is just the latest in a series of recalls, adding to investor anxiety about Tesla’s quality control and product stability. Last year, more than 1.5 million Teslas were recalled due to a software glitch.

Despite the growing protests, Musk continues to have Trump’s full backing. At a media event outside the White House, Trump dismissed demonstrators as “domestic terrorists” and vowed that anyone attacking Tesla would “go through hell.”

Trump also lamented Musk’s struggles, saying: “You know, Elon, I don’t like what’s happening to you, and Tesla’s a great company.”

Musk, one of Trump’s top donors, has embraced his role as the administration’s chief cost-cutter. Under his leadership, Doge has axed thousands of federal jobs, slashed international aid and defunded entire government programs. Critics argue that these extreme measures have fueled public anger against Tesla, as the company’s once-progressive brand is now synonymous with a right-wing agenda.

For Tesla, the stakes have never been higher. Protests against the company, dubbed the “Tesla takedown” movement, are set to escalate, with a coordinated global demonstration planned for March 29. Some Tesla owners have already ditched their vehicles in protest, while others have turned to vandalism — smashing windows and setting fires at showrooms.

Despite this, Musk has remained defiant, refusing to distance himself from Trump’s administration. With Tesla’s stock in freefall and its reputation under siege, investors and analysts warn that unless Musk takes immediate action to repair the company’s image, Tesla’s future could be at serious risk.

“Elon Musk is Tesla,” Ives wrote. “If he doesn’t act soon, this crisis could spiral into a full-blown collapse.”