Tesla already had big problems. Then Musk went to battle with Trump

Core Viewpoint - The relationship between Tesla and the Trump administration has deteriorated significantly, leading to a sharp decline in Tesla's stock value and raising concerns about the company's future prospects and governance [3][4][14]. Group 1: Company Performance - Tesla shares fell 14% in one day, erasing approximately $152 billion in market value, marking the largest single-day loss in the company's history [3][4]. - The company reported a 9% decline in revenue year-over-year for the first quarter, with auto revenue dropping 20% due to increased competition and consumer backlash against Trump's political activities [8][19]. - Tesla's deliveries in the U.S. are tracking lower, with European sales experiencing a 50% year-over-year decline in April and a double-digit drop in May [19]. Group 2: Leadership and Governance - Elon Musk's term as a special government employee ended after 130 days, during which he criticized Trump's spending bill, leading to a public feud [2][3]. - Public officials and pension funds have called for stronger governance at Tesla, emphasizing the need for leadership focused on the company's interests rather than personal political agendas [14][15]. - Analysts have expressed skepticism about Tesla's future, citing Musk's polarizing behavior as a potential threat to the brand and its value [15][27]. Group 3: Market and Competitive Landscape - Tesla is facing increased competition from lower-cost EV manufacturers, particularly in China, which has impacted its market position [8][19]. - The company has struggled to introduce innovative and affordable new EV models, while competitors like BYD have gained significant market share [18]. - Concerns over tariffs and regulatory support from the government have been exacerbated by the fallout between Musk and Trump, potentially affecting Tesla's cost structure and future growth [13][27]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Musk is urging investors to focus on long-term goals related to autonomous vehicles and robotics, despite current challenges in the core business [21][22]. - The upcoming launch of a small fleet of driverless ride-hailing services in Austin is seen as a critical step for Tesla, although the company has missed several deadlines in the past [21][22]. - Analysts have lowered their price targets for Tesla, reflecting a cautious outlook for 2025 amid ongoing challenges [19].