Tesla has firmly rejected claims that its board is seeking a replacement for CEO Elon Musk, following a report by The Wall Street Journal suggesting the electric vehicle giant had engaged recruitment firms to identify a potential successor. The report, published on Wednesday, cited unnamed sources and linked the alleged search to growing frustration over Musk’s political involvement and Tesla’s declining share price.
In a swift rebuttal issued Thursday, Tesla described the report as “absolutely false,” adding that this denial had been communicated to the media prior to publication. Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm reiterated the board’s support for Musk on social media platform X: “The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead.”
Musk himself lashed out at the Wall Street Journal, calling the story a “deliberately false article” and accusing the publication of unethical journalism. He later reposted a comment labeling the paper as “trash,” reinforcing his combative stance.
The controversy comes amid growing backlash over Musk’s dual responsibilities, especially his leadership of the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge), an advisory body formed under the Trump administration. Critics argue that Musk’s political entanglements are harming Tesla’s brand and diverting attention from its core business.
During a recent earnings call, Musk appeared to acknowledge the concerns, stating he would be “allocating far more of my time to Tesla” and pledging to “significantly” reduce his government duties.
Despite these assurances, Tesla continues to face protests and calls for boycotts, with some disillusioned customers distancing themselves from the brand due to Musk’s controversial political views. Several Tesla dealerships have even been targeted by protesters, some incidents resulting in criminal damage.
The fallout highlights the growing tension between Musk’s personal ventures and Tesla’s public image. While the company insists that its leadership remains stable and focused, the ongoing scrutiny signals that Musk’s multifaceted persona may increasingly become a liability for one of the world’s leading electric car manufacturers.
