Tesla shareholders are turning Elon Musk’s own words against him, questioning his contributions to the company’s success. In a reference to a controversial email his DOGE team sent to federal employees, investors are now asking: What five things has Musk done for them lately?
Tesla Stock Continues Decline
On Thursday, Tesla stock dipped for the sixth consecutive trading session, falling 1.4% and once again underperforming the Nasdaq tech index. Investors have expressed growing concerns over the company’s performance since the start of the year, leading them to confront Musk on his social media platform, X.
Celebrity photographer Jerry Avenaim posted a graph illustrating Tesla’s stock decline, tweeting:
“Please share five things you did for Tesla shareholders this week. Or are you working remotely? Asking for all of us.”
Similarly, commentator David Leavitt shared a direct challenge to Musk, asking:
“Hi @elonmusk, can you please tell us 5 things you did last week?”
Musk’s Controversial Ultimatum to Federal Employees
This backlash stems from Musk’s recent ultimatum to federal employees, demanding they justify their paychecks by listing five accomplishments per week. His directive concluded with a stark warning: “Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”
While Musk had the authority to enforce such policies at Twitter, a private company he owns, his attempt to impose similar measures on federal employees sparked widespread criticism. Cabinet secretaries reportedly instructed employees to ignore Musk’s directive, forcing him to backtrack. Initially, he downplayed expectations, stating, “The passing grade is literally just ‘Can you send an email with words that make any sense at all?’” before later softening his stance, saying it was merely meant to confirm “pulse and two working neurons.”
Despite the controversy, former President Donald Trump praised Musk’s efforts to cut $1 trillion from the government budget during a meeting with senior officials.
Tesla Faces Challenges Despite Model Y Refresh
While Tesla stock remains 14% higher than it was on the day of Trump’s election, the company is facing increasing pressure. Market analysts warn that Tesla’s first-quarter results could disappoint, adding to investor concerns.
Adding to the turbulence, Musk has been embroiled in personal controversies, including allegations that he ignored a plea from ex-partner Grimes regarding their sick child and was involved in a dispute with an astronaut over the International Space Station’s future.
Despite these setbacks, there is some positive news for shareholders. Tesla has officially launched a refreshed version of its five-year-old Model Y in China. This vehicle represents two-thirds of Tesla’s global sales, providing a potential boost amid ongoing market uncertainties.
As shareholders demand accountability, all eyes remain on Musk’s next moves and their impact on Tesla’s future.
