An escalating controversy within Tesla has caught the attention of investors and industry observers alike. One of Tesla's earliest backers, Ross Gerber, recently voiced concerns over Elon Musk's leadership style and its impact on the company. According to Gerber, Musk's involvement in U.S. government affairs, particularly his association with controversial entities like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), along with his ties to former President Donald Trump, have tarnished Tesla’s image. This development has led Gerber to publicly advocate for a change in leadership at Tesla.

Ross Gerber, an influential investor who has been part of Tesla's journey from its early days, expressed his dissatisfaction during an interview with Sky News’ Business Live. He argued that Tesla requires focused leadership, suggesting that Musk either step down or dedicate himself entirely to the electric vehicle giant. Gerber pointed out that Tesla’s reputation had suffered significantly under Musk's stewardship, citing plummeting sales as evidence of the current crisis. “The CEO is so divisive that even the best product in the market struggles to sell,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for someone to steer the business back on track.

Musk’s public persona has long been polarizing. His actions, such as performing a "Roman" salute and reportedly investing heavily in influencing recent U.S. elections, have drawn criticism. However, it is his ambiguous yet powerful role in the federal government that seems to have dented his credibility among many Americans. This backlash appears to have spilled over into Tesla's financial performance. Shares that peaked near $480 in mid-December have since dropped dramatically, trading around $232 per share by Wednesday, reflecting growing unease among shareholders about the direction of the company.

As Tesla navigates these turbulent times, the call for a new CEO resonates louder than ever. Investors are increasingly recognizing the potential benefits of having dedicated leadership focused solely on driving innovation and maintaining Tesla's position as a leader in sustainable transportation. Whether this shift will materialize remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Tesla stands at a pivotal moment in its history where decisions made today could define its future success.