Elon Musk’s Political Moves Cause Historic Tesla Brand Damage, Expert Warns

Marketing expert Scott Galloway warns Elon Musk’s political activities have severely damaged Tesla. The entrepreneur’s alignment with former President Trump triggered a major public backlash. According to Galloway, this is one of the greatest brand destructions ever.

Galloway made these comments during a recent podcast. He analyzed Tesla’s falling public perception and profits. This issue ties into a larger crisis of masculinity and leadership he discusses in his new book.

Scott Galloway Links Brand Crisis to Masculinity Debate

Scott Galloway’s book, “Notes on Being a Man,” became a bestseller in late 2025. In it, he examines rising loneliness and economic insecurity among men. He argues these issues contribute to societal drift and political radicalization.

Galloway connects this broader crisis to leadership failures in business. He singles out Elon Musk as a prime example. According to Reuters reports, Tesla’s brand favorability and sales have declined significantly.

Musk’s role advising the White House DOGE Office proved disastrous, Galloway says. The professor states Musk alienated Tesla’s core progressive customer base. This move catered to political groups with little interest in electric vehicles.

Tesla’s Market Fallout and the Cost of Political Alignment

The business impact has been severe and quantifiable. Tesla’s brand ranking among American companies plummeted from a top position. The company also faced organized protests and a steep drop in quarterly profits.

Galloway highlights a critical market miscalculation. He notes that three-quarters of Republicans would not consider buying an electric vehicle. By aligning with Trump, Musk sacrificed his core market for a political audience unlikely to convert.

This situation reflects a failure of modern masculine leadership, Galloway suggests. He critiques the pursuit of political clout over core business stewardship. The result is a stark lesson in brand management for all CEOs.

Elon Musk’s political journey has come at a severe cost to Tesla’s brand equity and market performance. Scott Galloway’s analysis frames this not just as a business misstep, but as a symptom of a wider crisis in masculine identity and leadership in the modern age.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Who is Scott Galloway?

Scott Galloway is a professor of marketing at NYU Stern School of Business. He is a bestselling author and co-host of the “Pivot” podcast. He frequently comments on technology, business, and societal trends.

What did Elon Musk do to damage Tesla’s brand?

Elon Musk accepted a role as an advisor to the Trump-aligned DOGE Office. His overt political alignment led to widespread customer backlash. This triggered protests and a significant drop in Tesla’s brand favorability and profits.

How bad is the damage to Tesla?

Reports indicate Tesla fell from a top-ranked American brand to a much lower position. The company’s quarterly profits saw a dramatic decline. Organized protests and consumer boycotts amplified the financial damage.

What is the “crisis of masculinity” Galloway discusses?

Galloway points to rising loneliness, economic insecurity, and social drift among young men. He links these issues to poorer educational outcomes and mental health struggles. He argues both political left and right have failed to address these problems effectively.

Is Galloway against Elon Musk personally?

Galloway acknowledges Musk’s brilliance as an innovator. His criticism focuses on Musk’s recent political and business decisions. Galloway analyzes the strategic error of alienating a core customer base.

What is Galloway’s solution for men’s issues?

He advocates for programs to help all young people “level up” economically. He encourages emotional openness and rejects a return to outdated patriarchal norms. Galloway stresses the need for positive male role models and community support.