May 4, 2025

Tesla Board Quietly Searched for Musk’s Replacement Amid Struggles 🚗

The Tesla board of directors launched a CEO search in March, consulting executive recruitment firms to possibly replace Elon Musk, according to the Wall Street Journal. The move followed a steep stock decline and criticism over Musk’s time spent on government duties rather than company operations.

🔹 Highlights:

  • Tesla shares dropped 45% in 2024 before partial recovery.
  • Q1 profits plunged 71%, with sales sliding.
  • Musk focused heavily on White House initiatives, spending less time at Tesla.
  • Board members asked Musk to re-engage; he didn’t resist.
  • It’s unclear whether Musk was aware of the CEO search.

🔹 Political Angle:

  • President Trump publicly thanked Musk, saying:
    “You’ve really been a tremendous help. You’re invited to stay as long as you want.”
  • Musk replied jokingly: “They say I wear a lot of hats.”

🔹 Public Image at Risk:

  • Protests and backlash have grown; Tesla’s environmental brand has been damaged.
  • Musk’s activity on X and controversial posts have driven away many supporters.

🔹 Trade War Impacts:Tesla is vulnerable amid U.S.–China tensions, but Trump’s tariff relief offers temporary reprieve for U.S.-based production.

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