Tesla sales have declined as outrage over Elon Musk’s role in the government continues to grow.
According to CNN, sales dropped 13% in the first three months of the year. This is the most significant decrease since the company’s launch in 2003. On Wednesday, Tesla reported it had delivered only 336,681 cars in the quarter, 50,000 fewer than in the first three months of 2024. This was the company’s worst sales performance in nearly three years.
This grim update comes as the automotive company faces large protests outside dealerships from those who oppose Musk’s role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), specifically the job cuts that have occurred since the agency began overseeing federal government budgets.
There have also been instances of vandalism against Tesla facilities, including charging stations and some vehicles. These incidents may have discouraged potential Tesla buyers from making purchases.
Tesla did not mention the protests in its sales statement. However, it did point to an update to the Model Y during the quarter that temporarily halted production at all four of its factories for several weeks.
A CNN poll last month found that just 35% of Americans have a positive view of Musk, while 53% view him negatively, making him both better known and more unpopular than Vice President JD Vance, whom 33% of Americans rate favorably, and 44% unfavorably.
