Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, recently found himself at the center of a significant controversy after sharing a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that appeared to downplay the direct responsibility of infamous dictators in historical atrocities. The post, originally shared by user @TheAliceSmith and later quoted by @Rothmus, stated:
“Stalin, Mao, and Hitler didn’t murder millions of people. Their public sector employees did.”
Musk’s decision to retweet this message sparked immediate and widespread backlash.
Criticism Over the Retweet
Critics argued that the post seemed to shift blame away from leaders like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong, who orchestrated some of history’s most devastating atrocities. By suggesting that their subordinates were solely responsible, the post was seen as minimizing the dictators’ direct roles in these events. Social media users expressed their outrage, with one commenting:
“On. Their. Orders. These men were dictators. They ORDERED massacres. You can add Putin to that list.”
Public Figures Condemn Musk’s Actions
Prominent figures also voiced their disapproval. Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, responded directly on X, stating:
“America’s public service workers—our nurses, teachers, firefighters, librarians—chose making our communities safe, healthy, and strong over getting rich. They are not, as the world’s richest man implies, genocidal murderers.”
He further criticized Musk and other billionaires in the administration for being out of touch with the daily struggles of ordinary people.
Past Controversies Add to the Fire
This incident is not isolated but part of a series of controversies surrounding Musk in recent times. Earlier, during President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, Musk made a gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute. While some, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), dismissed it as an awkward motion, others, like former ADL director Abraham Foxman, labeled it explicitly as a “Heil-Hitler-Nazi-Gruß.”
Musk’s subsequent responses included sarcastic remarks and wordplays involving names of Nazi figures, further fueling the controversy.
Acts of Vandalism Against Tesla
The repercussions of these actions have been tangible. Tesla, the company Musk leads, has experienced acts of vandalism across the United States and internationally. Incidents have ranged from graffiti and physical damage to vehicles defaced with swastikas and anti-fascist messages.
These acts are seen as direct protests against Musk’s perceived political alignments and controversial actions. In Oregon, Colorado, New York, France, and the Netherlands, Tesla properties have been targeted, reflecting the growing dissent among the public.
Tesla Owners Express Regret
The backlash has also affected Tesla’s customer base. In Spain, for instance, Tesla owners have expressed regret over their purchases due to Musk’s political stance. Some have gone as far as placing protest stickers on their vehicles, distancing themselves from Musk’s ideology.
Sales of Tesla vehicles have reportedly declined in several European markets, and the company’s stock has suffered as a result. Protests and vandalism against Tesla dealerships and charging stations have been reported in various countries, indicating a broader discontent with Musk’s actions.
Hollywood Star Speaks Out Against Musk
In another related incident, actress Ayo Edebiri criticized Musk after he shared a false rumor about her casting in a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. This unfounded claim led to Edebiri receiving death threats and racial slurs. She publicly condemned Musk, referring to him as an “idiot” and criticizing his controversial actions that have been interpreted as aligning with fascist gestures.
Internal Dissent Within Tesla
Furthermore, internal dissent within Tesla has emerged. A veteran engineer, Jared Ottman, claimed he was terminated after voicing concerns about Musk’s jokes referencing Nazi leaders.
Ottman had criticized Musk’s wordplays involving figures like Heinrich Himmler and Hermann Göring, expressing discomfort over the perceived insensitivity. His dismissal has raised questions about the company’s internal culture and its tolerance for differing viewpoints.
The Growing Consequences of Musk’s Controversies
Collectively, these incidents paint a picture of a leader whose actions and statements have not only sparked public outrage but have also had tangible negative impacts on his company’s reputation and operations. The controversies highlight the delicate balance public figures must maintain in their communications and the far-reaching consequences their words and actions can have on their businesses and personal reputations.
Political and Financial Implications
Beyond the public backlash and acts of vandalism, Musk’s recent controversies are starting to affect his business empire in more serious ways. Several major investors have reportedly expressed concerns over the negative impact of his political stance and public statements on Tesla’s market performance. While Musk has historically been seen as a visionary leader, his increasingly controversial behavior is making some shareholders uneasy.
In early 2025, Tesla’s stock saw a decline of nearly 15% following Musk’s involvement in a series of political controversies. Analysts from leading financial firms have warned that Tesla’s reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking company is being overshadowed by its CEO’s personal views and actions. Some institutional investors have even begun to reduce their Tesla holdings, fearing further reputational damage.
Furthermore, government contracts that Tesla and SpaceX have with U.S. federal agencies are now under scrutiny. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about Musk’s recent statements, questioning whether someone with such controversial views should continue to receive government funding.
What’s Next for Elon Musk?
As Musk continues to navigate this controversy, the future remains uncertain. While he has overcome public relations crises in the past, this latest wave of backlash appears to be having more serious consequences. With Tesla’s reputation at risk, investors on edge, and government scrutiny increasing, Musk may soon face a critical decision: continue on his current path or step back from the spotlight.
For now, Musk remains defiant, using his social media presence to push back against critics and reinforce his own narrative. Whether this strategy will work in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Elon Musk is at a pivotal moment in his career, and the world is watching closely.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Musk and His Empire
Elon Musk’s latest controversy is not just another fleeting social media storm—it represents a critical turning point in his career and the future of his business empire. His influence extends far beyond Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink; he has become a global figure whose words and actions carry significant consequences.
While he continues to enjoy a loyal following, the backlash against him is more intense than ever, affecting Tesla’s stock, investor confidence, and even government contracts. His leadership is now being questioned, not only by critics but also by some within his own company.
