Tesla’s sales in Washington declined steeply in early 2025 amid fallout over CEO Elon Musk’s work with the White House, even as other EV brands saw a year-over-year increase. Tesla’s fall from grace in Washington has been steeper than in the rest of the U.S.

Tesla stock is on the rise after two big pieces of news came overnight: a reported start date for robotaxi testing and CEO Elon Musk's official government departure.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump praised billionaire Elon Musk's efforts to cut federal spending during a joint press conference in the Oval Office on Friday, as the Tesla CEO departs the administration after a chaotic tenure that saw the elimination of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in contracts.

In a letter, some skeptical backers of the EV company have also asked its board to add a “new, truly independent” member and lay out a succession plan.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is leaving Washington—to the relief of Tesla shareholders everywhere. The personal and corporate brand damage done during Musk’s turn to politics was real, but it can heal if Musk takes his medicine. Will he? Take your experience further with Mint Premium- access insights and analysis on global markets

Elon Musk is pushing lawmakers to help clear a path for driverless vehicles, according to people familiar with the matter, part of a broader effort behind the scenes to lobby for a key priority of Tesla Inc.

While the protests are slated to continue, Musk has far more serious problems on his plate. Among the biggest concerns is a huge drop in sales, which can partially be blamed on his politics.

Tesla's decline in sales comes as protests are erupting across Europe in response to Elon Musk's support of right-wing policies.