‘I felt nothing but disgust’: Tesla owners vent their anger at Elon Musk

The tycoon’s links with Donald Trump and Germany’s far-right AfD have slammed the brakes on sales and put the car’s owners in a spin

Tesla sales almost halve in Europe over Musk’s ties to Trump

When Mike Schwede first sat in a Tesla Roadster 15 years ago, he felt like it was a glimpse into the future. By 2016, he was the proud owner of a Tesla, revelling in the thumbs up he would get from other drivers as he whizzed along Europe’s highways in the electric vehicle.

But of late the sheen of owning a Tesla has begun to wear off. For years the brand has been synonymous with Elon Musk and his stance against the climate crisis. Recently, Schwede watched aghast as the Tesla CEO poured hundreds of millions into backing Donald Trump as he made promises to ramp up domestic oil and gas production.

Topics

Elon Musk Is Focused on DOGE. What About Tesla?

Mr. Musk, one of President Trump’s main advisers, has not outlined a plan to reverse falling sales at the electric car company of which he is chief executive.
The New York Times - 5d
With Musk's DOGE role, some Tesla owners rethink their allegiance

Elon Musk's close ties to President Trump is alienating some motorists. Wall Street analysts say that could hurt Tesla.
CBS News - 1d
Elon Musk rebuffs claims that Tesla could invest in Nissan

Japanese carmaker’s shares rise almost 10% after reports that a group wants US EV firm to put in money. Elon Musk has rebuffed the idea that Tesla could put money into the struggling carmaker ...
The Guardian - 4d
The Tesla Takedown Has Begun. A National Protest Movement Seeks to Strike a Blow to Elon Musk’s Net Worth

As DOGE barrels through D.C., Americans on the ground are starting to mobilize outside Tesla dealerships.
Inc. - 5d
5 Reasons I Love Elon Musk’s Request for Five Things, and 1 Reason I Hate It

The DOGE email is blunt, but hints at what can be accomplished when employees are asked to list their accomplishments.
Inc. - 9h
Elon Musk Zeroes In on the I.R.S.

The tech mogul’s cost-cutting initiative is seeking sensitive taxpayer data, drawing concerns about privacy, potential political retribution and more.
The New York Times - Feb. 18
I tried to stop rage-honking my car horn – but what am I to do with all this anger?

My ‘achievable’ self-development goal of trying not to be angry was difficult. It’s what you do with that feeling that matters. A couple of years ago, I decided to go for more “achievable” new year ...
The Guardian - 4d
The Showdown Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman

This week, the Uncanny Valley hosts discuss the lawsuits, bidding wars, and power plays over OpenAI.
Wired - 5d
Elon Musk waves 'bureaucracy chainsaw' gifted by Argentina

Argentina's president gifted Elon Musk a chainsaw to symbolise cuts to bureaucracy.
BBC News - 4d
Elon Musk becomes a new power center at CPAC

Elon Musk stole the show at CPAC, a surprise guest who wielded a chainsaw to symbolize his government cuts.
NBC News - 4d
Do Elon Musk and His Father Get Along?

Errol Musk questioned his son’s parenting ability on a podcast, but said that his comments had been taken out of context and that they were on good terms.
The New York Times - 4d
‘Dark MAGA’ Spreads as Elon Musk’s Influence Grows

Elon Musk continues to extend his power among constituents and in the government.
Inc. - 1d
Elon Musk's approach to government spending sparks debate

As head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk has taken an aggressive approach to budget cuts. Economist Oren Cass weighs in on whether this strategy is reform or reckless ...
CBS News - 4h
Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Being Sued Under the Privacy Act: What to Know

At least eight ongoing lawsuits related to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency’s alleged access to sensitive data hinge on the Watergate-inspired Privacy Act of 1974. But it’s not ...
Wired - 6d
Elon Musk Is Dangling a $5,000 ‘DOGE Dividend’ Check for Americans

Musk says he will “check with the President” about the plan, but DOGE has already overstated some of its savings claims.
Inc. - 5d
The Investment Chief Behind the DOGE Dividend Explains His Pitch to Elon Musk

Azoria CEO James Fishback sees a way for President Trump to send $5,000 to every US taxpayer.
Inc. - 5d
Justice Dept. to Drop Discrimination Case Against Elon Musk’s SpaceX

The Justice Department had sued SpaceX in 2023, accusing the company of violating federal law by refusing to hire refugees and people granted asylum in the United States.
The New York Times - 4d
Elon Musk to be let inside Fort Knox to inspect gold reserves

The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox has stored precious metal bullion reserves for the United States since 1937.
CBS News - 4d
Justice department drops discrimination case against Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Case brought during Biden presidency accused space company of refusing, unlawfully, to hire certain immigrants. The US Department of Justice on Thursday said it would drop a case accusing Elon ...
The Guardian - 4d
Could Elon Musk benefit from DOGE cuts at consumer protection watchdog?

Earlier this month, President Trump fired Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Lesley Stahl has more on the agency and the Trump administration's attempts to ...
CBS News - 3d
Elon Musk calls for deorbiting of the ISS. Here's what the space station does

Elon Musk recently called for the ISS to be deorbited "as soon as possible." Experts say the station provides vital research, technological development and education
ABC News - 3d
How Federal Employees Are Fighting Back Against Elon Musk

Some civil servants are using whatever levers they have to resist the orders of the world’s richest man, both in public and behind closed doors.
The New York Times - 3d
Comparing Elon Musk and Jack Welch as Influential Cost-Cutters

Elon Musk’s hyperfocus on the bottom line has made him influential in Washington and Silicon Valley. How does that compare with the last famous cost-cutter, Jack Welch?
The New York Times - 3d
Elon Musk demands federal workers explain their jobs or be sacked

Billionaire steps up efforts to cull government employees with emailed deadline
Financial Times - 2d
Elon Musk Tells Federal Workers to Detail Work in an Email or Lose Their Jobs

Elon Musk has drawn inspiration from his 2022 takeover of Twitter with the tactic. His threat on social media of termination did not appear in an email to federal workers requesting the work ...
The New York Times - 2d
Elon Musk says federal workers must justify their work — or resign

Billionaire Elon Musk issued an ultimatum to federal employees Saturday, saying in a post on his social media platform X that employees must respond to an email justifying the work they completed ...
NBC News - 2d
Elon Musk demands federal employees justify their work or resign

Federal employees are on edge after weeks of mass firings and President Donald Trump urging Elon Musk and his DOGE team to “get more aggressive” on government cuts. Musk and his team emailed ...
NBC News - 2d
Some Agencies Urge Staff Not to Comply With Elon Musk’s Performance Email

The F.B.I. director, Kash Patel, the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and others told employees not to respond to a directive from Mr. Musk to summarize their accomplishments.
The New York Times - 1d
Mike Johnson says Elon Musk 'cracked the code' on federal bureaucracy

President Donald Trump is set to receive French President Emmanuel Macron today, the first European leader to be welcomed to the White House by Trump since the beginning of his second term.
NBC News - 1d
Pushback to Latest DOGE Demand May Signal Limits for Elon Musk

Pushback against Elon Musk’s latest demand to government employees reveals potential limits to his harsh approach to management and cost-cutting.
The New York Times - 1d
Federal employees suing Elon Musk over tasks email

Federal employees are suing Elon Musk after receiving an email that the Trump ally touted on social media. The lawsuit surrounds an email demanding a list of tasks done throughout the week or risk ...
CBS News - 1d
Americanswers... on 5 Live! What's Elon Musk's latest threat to federal workers?

And will the president listen to European leaders this week?
BBC News - 1d
How Elon Musk's DOGE reshaped government in its first 30 days

ABC News reports on the first 30 days of billionaire Elon Musk advising President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.
ABC News - 21h
Morale is "abysmal" after Elon Musk's email ultimatum, federal worker says

The office that asked federal workers to document five things they accomplished over the past week told executive branch officials on Monday that individual agencies can decide how to respond, ...
CBS News - 19h
Elon Musk Congratulates AfD Leader on Germany’s Election Results

The leader of the party said she received the call after the party known as the AfD finished second in national elections, by far the best showing in its history.
The New York Times - 18h
Eye Opener: President Trump backs Elon Musk's ultimatum for federal workers

More confusion as President Trump backs Elon Musk's ultimatum for federal workers to list their achievements or face the consequences. Also, the U.S. sides with Russia at the U.N. as France's ...
CBS News - 5h
What 15 Americans Think About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Government Cuts

Americans across the country are deeply split over Mr. Musk, with some welcoming his cuts to government and others outraged at what they see as an abuse of power.
The New York Times - 2h
Tesla sales almost halve in Europe as Musk faces criticism over Trump ties

Tech billionaire, a close adviser to the US president, is a vocal supporter of Germany’s far-right AfD party. Sales of new Tesla cars almost halved in Europe last month, indicating waning demand ...
The Guardian - 9h
Musk loses more than $100B as Tesla gives up trillion-dollar company status amid sell-off

Elon Musk's status as the world's wealthiest person is in no danger of changing.
NBC News - 1h