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Tesla is reeling from a major image crisis, and experts say Elon Musk’s political behavior is largely to blame. Marketing professor Scott Galloway argues that Musk’s public support for Trump and his role in the “Doge” department have repelled the eco-conscious, tech-forward audience that built Tesla’s success.
Tesla’s brand has plummeted from 8th to 95th, while sales across Europe are sharply down. Musk’s active involvement in political debates on his platform X hasn’t helped. Tesla’s profits have also taken a hit—down 71%. In response to the backlash, Musk says he’ll scale back his “Doge” duties, claiming he’s completed his objectives.