Tesla shares closed down 6.8% on Monday, erasing $79 billion from the company’s valuation, as investors reacted negatively to Elon Musk’s new political party. The significant drop underscores widespread concern that Musk’s venture into politics will divert his attention and energy from leading the electric car manufacturer, as his political ambitions take center stage.
The reduction in market capitalization, from just over $1 trillion to approximately $921 billion, signals a clear market response to the perceived risks associated with a CEO’s deep involvement in contentious political landscapes. This concern has been brewing, fueled by Musk’s past interactions with figures such as Donald Trump, which had previously raised fears of consumer backlash and potential political repercussions.
Analysts are pinpointing a “broader sense of exhaustion” among Tesla investors, who are increasingly keen for Musk to remain focused on the company’s business objectives. The prevailing sentiment is that his political pursuits are a major distraction that could hinder Tesla’s progress.
Musk’s public unveiling of the “America party” on his X platform, where he expressed a desire to combat government waste and restore freedom, has evidently failed to reassure the market. Instead, it has drawn sharp criticism, including from Donald Trump, further exacerbating investor anxieties.