Tesla investors question Musk’s political controversies
Tesla shareholders expect answers from Elon Musk regarding his political involvement, including his advisory role in Donald Trump's administration and controversial gestures during the presidential inauguration. Investors express concerns about how the CEO's actions may affect the company's value.
After Donald Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term, Elon Musk assumed a high advisory position in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This event coincided with the release of Tesla's financial report for the fourth quarter.
Before the publication, investors can ask questions concerning the company's future. It appears that Musk's recent decisions are stirring up controversy. Over one hundred company shareholders have questioned the billionaire's political involvement.
Particular attention was drawn to the fact that the CEO donated $270 million to support Trump's campaign and other Republican candidates. In the final quarter of 2024, Musk was actively involved in the election campaign, spending significant time at the Mar-a-Lago estate.
Controversies surrounding the CEO's actions
Musk has also sparked controversy on the international stage. In December, he openly supported the far-right AfD party in Germany before the upcoming elections. According to Brand Finance, Tesla's brand value fell by 26 percent last year, partly due to Musk's divisive stance.
During the inaugural ceremonies of Trump's new presidency, Musk made a gesture that historians and politicians interpreted as a Nazi salute. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on fascism, described it as a "Nazi salute of a very aggressive nature." In response to the criticism, Musk called these accusations a "hoax."
Will Musk lose out due to the controversial gesture?
Investors expressed concern about the potential impact of Musk's political activities on Tesla's sales performance. They inquire about specific sales losses resulting from his political actions and the company's strategy in response to the CEO's controversial statements.
This topic was not addressed during the previous earnings call in the third quarter of 2024 despite numerous questions about Musk's political involvement. Tesla is not obligated to address these issues during the upcoming earnings conference.
Bill Gates criticizes Musk's political involvement
Other critics also criticize Musk. In an interview with The Times, Bill Gates decisively distanced himself from comparing himself to Musk, the owner of Tesla and SpaceX. The Microsoft co-founder highlighted fundamental differences between them, particularly regarding political involvement.
Gates expressed concern about the possibility of foreign billionaires influencing electoral processes. He noted that "in the USA, foreigners cannot donate money" for political purposes, suggesting that other countries should consider implementing similar regulations.
Gates criticizes Musk's far-right sympathies
The Microsoft co-founder criticized Musk for supporting radical political movements. Gates deemed Musk's support for the German AfD party and criticism of Nigel Farage for not being right-wing enough unacceptable.
He observed that despite Musk's undeniable intelligence, his actions focus on "populist incitement" instead of constructively using his potential. Gates also expressed concern about the growing political polarization and the spread of hatred toward foreigners.
Controversial support for AfD
Elon Musk actively engaged in the German election campaign, appearing online during the AfD inauguration. He referred to this party as "Germany's greatest hope" and encouraged Germans to let go of past guilt.
According to reports from the "Financial Times", Musk's actions extend beyond the German political scene. The Tesla owner was also reported to have been involved in British politics, supporting moves against the British Labour Party and its leader.
