Elon Musk’s Political Alignment Sinks Tesla’s Brand Reputation, Expert Says

Elon Musk’s decision to align himself with the Trump administration and lead the “Doge” department has backfired significantly, leading to a “greatest brand destruction” for Tesla, according to marketing professor Scott Galloway. On the Pivot podcast, Galloway asserted that Musk has alienated the very demographic most likely to buy Tesla’s electric vehicles while embracing a political base largely uninterested in them.
Statistical evidence supports Galloway’s claim, with Tesla’s brand reputation plummeting from 8th to 95th in just a few years. European sales figures further underscore the negative impact, showing steep declines across multiple countries. Musk’s recent foray into European political discourse, particularly on his platform X, has also contributed to consumer aversion. This brand erosion has had tangible financial consequences for Tesla, which reported a 71% drop in profits. In response, Musk has indicated he will reduce his involvement with “Doge,” attributing his reduced role to having largely completed his government financial reform efforts.