Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reached out to employees amid a turbulent period for the company, urging them to hold onto their stock despite a significant drop in value. In a surprise meeting held this week, Musk acknowledged the recent challenges faced by the electric vehicle giant but reassured his team that Tesla’s future remains strong.
Musk’s message came at a time when Tesla’s stock price has been hit hard, falling by nearly 50% since December. During the meeting, Musk admitted that stock prices go up and down but reassured employees that the company’s core mission and long-term goals remain unchanged. “Tesla stock goes up and it goes down, but it’s still the same company,” he said.
While market fluctuations have caused concern, Musk emphasized the company’s continued innovation, particularly in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics. He highlighted plans to ramp up production of the Tesla Cybercab and the Optimus robot, which is expected to see significant production increases this year. Musk mentioned that Tesla aims to produce 5,000 units of the Optimus robot within the next 12 months, with production set to soar in the following years.
Musk’s recent political involvements
In addition to the financial downturn, Musk’s recent political involvement has added another layer of controversy to the company’s public image. Appointed as head of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump’s administration, Musk has faced growing backlash, especially from the company’s traditionally liberal customer base. Critics argue that his political affiliations are affecting Tesla’s brand reputation and its sales, which have taken a hit as a result.
Adding fuel to the fire, activists and protesters have targeted Tesla’s facilities and vehicles, with some even vandalizing properties. A recent protest in the UK saw activists using a Tesla vehicle to carve “Don’t buy a Tesla” into a beach, creating a message visible from space. In response, President Trump has introduced strict measures to punish those responsible for such actions, including long prison sentences.
Despite these challenges, financial analysts remain divided. While some worry about the effects of Musk’s political activities on the company’s stock price, others believe that Tesla’s technological advancements will help it rebound in the long term. Analysts like Dan Ives have praised Musk for showing leadership and resilience during a time of uncertainty.
For now, Musk is focused on Tesla’s growth, continuing to push forward with new projects and technological developments. While the company faces mounting pressure, Musk’s message to employees is clear: hold on to your stock and trust in Tesla’s future.
