Stock Score Locked: Want to See it? Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock – anytime. Reveal Full Score Political Focus Fuels Consumer Backlash Musk’s role in DOGE has drawn sharp criticism. Policy moves under Musk’s influence — such as mass layoffs and cuts to social services — triggered protests outside Tesla locations across the country. Tesla vehicle deliveries fell 13% year-over-year in Q1, aligning with the timing of the protests. According to Morgan Stanley, 85% of Tesla shareholders said Elon Musk's political visibility has negatively impacted the company's brand. Trending: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary called Missing Ring his biggest mistake — Don't repeat history—invest in RYSE at just $1.90/share. Tariffs, Resale Woes Compound Tesla’s Struggles Tesla’s challenges extend beyond politics. New U.S.-China tariffs raised material costs and dented profitability, The CFO explained. Meanwhile, the used EV market has turned colder; average prices for used Teslas have dropped 7% over the past year, according to Business Insider. Despite these obstacles, Tesla’s energy generation and storage division offered a rare bright spot. According to the company's Q1 earnings report, the unit generated $2.73 billion in revenue—up 67% from a year earlier. Musk Vows to Step Back from Government Work During the earnings call, Musk reaffirmed his commitment to Tesla’s future. “Starting probably next month in May, my time allocation [at DOGE] will drop significantly,” he said. “I think I I’ll continue to spend a day or two per week on government matters for as long as the president would like me to do so”