[UNITED STATES] Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced Tuesday that he plans to “significantly” reduce his involvement with the Trump administration starting next month, vowing to dedicate more of his time to steering the electric vehicle giant.
Musk’s ties to the administration—particularly his advisory role with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)—have stirred unease among Tesla shareholders. Many argue that Musk’s attention is increasingly needed at Tesla, which is grappling with production setbacks and intensifying competition from legacy automakers such as Ford and General Motors.
Investors reacted swiftly to Musk’s comments, with Tesla shares climbing from a 4% gain in after-hours trading to a 5.5% surge following the earnings call. The rise in stock price appeared to reflect renewed investor confidence in Musk’s commitment to the company’s core business.
Analysts view Musk’s pivot as a possible recalibration of priorities, especially as Tesla prepares for critical product launches, including the long-awaited Cybertruck and next-generation electric vehicles. A more focused leadership approach could help stabilize operations and address ongoing market volatility, they say.
The announcement follows a steep drop in Tesla’s vehicle deliveries last quarter, amplifying concerns over softening demand—particularly for its older models like the Model S and Model X. Production delays and persistent supply chain issues have also hampered the company’s ability to meet output targets.
Shareholder frustration has mounted over Musk’s expansive portfolio of ventures, including SpaceX and Neuralink, with critics warning that divided leadership could undermine Tesla’s competitiveness. His advisory role at Doge, where he has advocated for sweeping reductions in federal employment, has drawn particular scrutiny.
Industry observers suggest that Musk’s decision to step back from political engagements may be a strategic response to mounting calls for a clearer governance structure at Tesla. With rivals rapidly expanding their EV lineups and governments tightening emissions rules globally, the pressure is on for Tesla to maintain its edge through innovation and execution.
Musk’s renewed focus comes at a pivotal moment for the company, as the global auto industry accelerates its shift toward electrification. For investors and employees alike, the hope is that a more present CEO can steer Tesla through an increasingly complex competitive landscape.