Democratic Senator ditches Tesla over Musk's DOGE leadership

Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, has announced he’s parting ways with his Tesla, citing frustration over Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his controversial actions. In a recent video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Musk’s social media platform, Kelly explained how owning a Tesla has become a "political issue" due to Musk's influence.

In the brief video, Kelly expressed his dissatisfaction with both Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, criticizing their efforts to cut federal spending. Kelly said the recent actions by Musk and Trump — such as slashing Social Security, firing veterans, and reducing healthcare benefits for seniors and low-income individuals — have caused significant harm to the country.

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Senator Mark Kelly states his departure from Tesla

Kelly, a retired astronaut and former Navy officer, pointed out that every time he drives his Tesla, he’s reminded of how their actions are damaging the nation. "It’s one bad thing after the next," Kelly said in his video.

Standing in front of his electric vehicle, Kelly stated that it was time for an "upgrade" and emphasized that he was "doing the right thing" by getting rid of his Tesla. In his post on X, Kelly wrote, "I bought a Tesla because it was fast like a rocket ship. But now every time I drive it, I feel like a rolling billboard for a man dismantling our government and hurting people. So Tesla, you’re fired! New ride coming soon."

Vandalism targets Tesla dealerships amid rising tensions

The growing political divide over Tesla ownership has become a hot topic. While many Tesla owners have supported Musk and his ventures, the association with his controversial actions has caused tensions within the public. Anti-Musk sentiment has fueled online harassment, particularly for Tesla owners who are now seen as aligning with the billionaire entrepreneur.

The backlash against Musk and his company has even escalated to acts of vandalism. Multiple Tesla dealerships have been targeted by anti-Musk vandals, including incidents in Fort Lauderdale, where 34 Tesla Cybertrucks were damaged with graffiti and crude messages like "(expletive) Elon." In Loveland, Colorado, federal agents investigated vandalism at a Tesla dealership, where windows were smashed and Cybertruck windshields were marked with red X's. The attacks, which include the phrase "Nazi Cars," have raised concerns about the safety of Tesla owners and the broader implications for the brand.

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Impact on Tesla’s market demand

As tensions continue to rise, analysts are concerned about the potential impact of vandalism on Tesla’s market demand. Ben Kallo, an analyst at Baird, warned that incidents of vandalism could deter prospective buyers. "When people’s cars are in jeopardy of being keyed or set on fire, even those who support Musk or are indifferent toward him might think twice about buying a Tesla," Kallo said in an interview with CNBC.

The political shift surrounding Tesla ownership is becoming more evident. Liberals, who were once strong advocates of electric vehicles like the Tesla sedan, have increasingly distanced themselves from Musk’s company. This shift is reflected in rising Tesla Cybertruck registrations in more conservative states such as Texas and Florida, according to data from S&P Global Mobility.