A prominent U.S. marketing professor, Scott Galloway, labeled Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) as “one of the greatest brand destructions” ever, citing its impact on Tesla’s core demographic. Speaking on the Pivot podcast, Galloway highlighted how Musk’s political alignment has alienated Tesla’s customer base, threatening the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer’s market position. This critique, reported by The Guardian, raises serious questions for EV enthusiasts and Tesla owners about the company’s future trajectory.

Musk’s Political Role Hurts Tesla’s Reputation

Galloway, a marketing expert, pointed out that Musk’s advisory role under President Trump has distanced Tesla from its primary buyers. “He’s alienated the wrong people,” Galloway stated on the podcast, adding, “Three-quarters of Republicans would never consider buying an EV. So he’s cozied up to the people who aren’t interested in EVs.” This shift comes at a critical time for Tesla, which has seen its brand reputation plummet. Polling cited by Galloway shows Tesla’s ranking dropped from the eighth-most reputable brand in 2021 to 95th in recent assessments, a stark decline tied to Musk’s political actions.

Tesla’s customer base, largely composed of environmentally conscious and progressive buyers, clashes with the conservative demographic Musk has aligned with. This misalignment has fueled disapproval, with opinion polling showing a majority of voters disliking Musk’s work with Trump, particularly his role in federal job cuts. The Partnership for Public Service estimated in late April 2025 that Doge’s proposed cuts of $160 billion were on track to cost $135 billion, a figure that translates to significant job losses in what critics call the “department” slashes.

Tesla Faces Market Challenges in Europe and Beyond

Musk’s political involvement has also coincided with operational setbacks for Tesla. Galloway noted steep sales declines across Europe, with Tesla’s sales down 59% in France, 81% in Sweden, 74% in the Netherlands, 66% in Denmark, 50% in Switzerland, and 33% in Portugal. These drops reflect broader challenges in the European market, where Musk has intervened in political affairs, including Germany’s federal election and the UK’s disputes over social media platform X, which he owns. This meddling has frustrated EV buyers in a region critical for Tesla’s growth, a lucrative market for electric vehicles.

Adding to Tesla’s woes, Chinese competitor BYD outsold the Austin-based company on the continent for the first time in April 2025, according to JATO Dynamics, an automotive intelligence firm. This shift underscores Tesla’s weakening grip on the global EV market, where competition is intensifying. Galloway warned that Musk’s focus on political endeavors, including his role in Doge, has distracted from Tesla’s core mission. “This has arguably been one of the greatest brand destructions,” he told Pivot co-host Kara Swisher, emphasizing, “Tesla was a great brand.”

Financial Strain and Future Outlook for Tesla

Tesla’s financial performance has also taken a hit. By the end of April 2025, the company reported a 71% dip in profits. During a May earnings call with investors, Musk acknowledged the strain but prioritized his political role, stating, “Getting the government’s financial house in order is mostly done,” and adding that his “time allocation to Doge will drop significantly.” However, with Tesla’s stock and sales under pressure, the company faces an uphill battle to regain consumer trust and market share.

For EV enthusiasts and Tesla owners, this situation signals a pivotal moment. Musk’s political ties could further erode Tesla’s brand loyalty, potentially driving buyers to competitors like BYD. As the EV industry evolves, Tesla must refocus on innovation and customer engagement to reclaim its standing, or risk losing ground in a rapidly shifting market.