Elon Musk has hit back at The Wall Street Journal after it reported that Tesla’s board is actively working to replace him as CEO.
Musk wrote in a blog on X that:” The @WSJ would release a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and omit an unequivocal neglect by the Tesla board of directors is an incredibly bad brew of morality”!
The withering response comes hrs after the WSJ claimed Tesla had spoken with several professional research companies to find a potential son, citing sources with insider knowledge.
Why the board may be considering a new CEOAccording to the report, Musk’s dual focus on his White House duties and declining Tesla profits triggered the move. Musk currently heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump. His time in Washington, paired with a 71% drop in Tesla’s quarterly profit and waning sales in major markets, reportedly raised concerns within the board.
Musk reportedly received a request from the Tesla board to transfer his focus to the business earlier this year. In a recent earnings visit, he assured investors that starting next month, I’ll get dedicating much more of my time to Tesla.
Trump makes suggestions about Musk’s returnTrump himself made comments about Musk stepping down from his national jobs at a government meeting on Wednesday. You are invited to stay as long as you like. I guess he wants to return to his vehicles, the leader apparently said.
Despite Musk being on the board of directors of Tesla, it’s unclear whether he was informed or given permission to conduct the reported research.
Politics, profit, and public backlashMusk’s closeness to Trump, including a $250 million campaign donation, has stirred backlash among Tesla employees and customers alike. Tesla’s mission of sustainability has clashed with Trump’s promises to revive oil and gas industries, causing confusion about the company’s direction. Tesla also reported its first annual sales decline in over a decade, while the Cybertruck rollout became an internet punchline.
Memes, mockery, and disbeliefThe WSJ report went viral online, with users sharing memes and sarcastic takes. “Everything Trump touches dies,” one wrote, suggesting Musk may soon be out at Tesla. Others claimed the move had to be orchestrated by Musk himself. “For those dumb enough to think this happens without @elonmusk’s blessing, I have a sh**coin to sell you,” a post read.
