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Musk can't seem to put down the political megaphone, even if it hurts Tesla | CNN Business

The article from CNN, published on July 2, 2025, titled "Musk and Trump's Feud: A Tesla Nightcap," delves into the ongoing public spat between Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and former President Donald Trump. The feud has escalated to a point where it is affecting business decisions and public perceptions of both figures. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the feud's origins, its progression, and its implications for Tesla and the broader business landscape.

The feud between Musk and Trump can be traced back to the early days of Trump's presidency. Musk initially served on Trump's advisory councils, but he resigned in 2017 after Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. This marked the beginning of a series of public disagreements between the two. Over the years, Musk has been vocal about his disdain for Trump's policies, particularly those related to climate change and electric vehicles. Trump, on the other hand, has criticized Musk's business practices and accused him of receiving unfair subsidies for Tesla.

The article highlights a recent incident that reignited the feud. At a Tesla shareholder meeting in June 2025, Musk made a pointed remark about Trump, calling him "a danger to democracy." This comment was in response to a question about Tesla's plans to expand into new markets, particularly those that have been supportive of Trump's policies. Musk's statement quickly went viral, prompting a swift and fiery response from Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump accused Musk of being a "phony" and claimed that Tesla's success was due to government handouts rather than innovation.

The feud has not only been a war of words but has also had tangible effects on Tesla's business. The article notes that Tesla's stock price experienced significant volatility following Musk's comments at the shareholder meeting. Investors are increasingly concerned about the potential impact of the feud on Tesla's ability to secure government contracts and navigate regulatory environments, especially in countries where Trump's influence remains strong. The article cites a recent survey by a financial analytics firm, which found that 60% of Tesla investors believe the feud could negatively impact the company's long-term growth prospects.

In addition to the financial implications, the feud has also affected Tesla's brand image. The article discusses how Tesla's customer base is divided on the issue. Some customers admire Musk's willingness to speak out against Trump, viewing it as a stand for progressive values. Others, however, are frustrated by the ongoing drama and feel that it detracts from Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. The article includes interviews with several Tesla owners, who express a range of opinions on the matter. One owner, a long-time supporter of Musk, said, "I appreciate Elon's honesty, but I wish he would focus more on the cars and less on the politics." Another owner, who voted for Trump in the last election, expressed concern that the feud could alienate conservative customers.

The article also explores the broader implications of the Musk-Trump feud for the business world. It argues that the feud is emblematic of a larger trend where CEOs are increasingly vocal about political issues. This trend, the article suggests, can be both a blessing and a curse for companies. On one hand, taking a stand on political issues can attract customers who share the same values and enhance a company's brand. On the other hand, it can alienate other customers and create unnecessary distractions from the core business.

To provide a more balanced perspective, the article includes insights from business analysts and political commentators. One analyst, quoted in the article, argues that Musk's feud with Trump is a calculated move to position himself as a leader in the fight against climate change. "Musk knows that his core audience cares deeply about the environment, and by taking on Trump, he's reinforcing his commitment to that cause," the analyst said. Another commentator, however, warns that Musk's approach could backfire. "There's a fine line between being a visionary leader and a polarizing figure. Musk needs to be careful not to cross that line," the commentator cautioned.

The article concludes by discussing the potential future developments of the Musk-Trump feud. It speculates that the feud could intensify as the 2028 presidential election approaches, with both figures likely to use the conflict to rally their respective bases. The article also considers the possibility of a reconciliation, noting that both Musk and Trump have a history of surprising the public with unexpected alliances. However, it concludes that such a reconciliation seems unlikely given the deep-seated animosity between the two.

Overall, the article provides a thorough examination of the Musk-Trump feud, its origins, its impact on Tesla, and its broader implications for the business world. It offers a balanced perspective, incorporating various viewpoints and expert analyses. The feud, as the article suggests, is more than just a personal conflict; it is a reflection of the increasingly intertwined nature of business and politics in the modern world.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/02/business/musk-trump-feud-tesla-nightcap ]