The ongoing public feud between Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken a sharp turn. Kelly, who once took pride in his sleek Tesla automobile, has now severed his ties with the brand over Musk's controversial online and political antics. In a definitive move, he shared a video on the social media platform X, before Musk's takeover, declaring his Tesla's ride had come to an end.
With a clear sense of disillusionment, Kelly expressed his frustration with Musk's conduct, "Elon Musk kind of turned out to be an asshole," he stated, a sentiment that resonates with many who feel Tesla has transformed into a symbol of political discord. This moment marks a pivot for the former astronaut and Navy fighter pilot, who previously approached politics with bipartisan intent and steered clear of heated verbal exchanges. However, as Phoenix New Times noted, he has adopted a more outspoken stance in recent times.
This shift in perspective seems to be driven by a series of virtual clashes between Kelly and Musk, sparked by Musk's accusation of Kelly being a "traitor" for his visit to Ukraine. The senator retorted to this on X saying, "Elon, if you don’t understand that defending freedom is a basic tenet of what makes America great and keeps us safe, maybe you should leave it to those of us who do," as per Phoenix New Times. Kelly's decision to dispose of his Tesla coincides with a broader backlash against the brand, intensifying with Musk's deep involvement in shaping policies and his close alignments with former President Donald Trump.
The move away from Tesla is not an isolated incident, as Vanity Fair reports that other high-profile figures, like Sheryl Crow, have also distanced themselves from the electric vehicle manufacturer. There's a growing discomfort among some Tesla owners, who feel the car has become a symbol akin to wearing "a big red MAGA hat." This sentiment has culminated in nationwide protests at Tesla dealerships and reflects the public's unease with Musk's political influence.
Kelly's departure from the Tesla club may well be indicative of a broader trend, and the company's stock continues to struggle, marking its worst performance on the market since 2020. Now assured of his decision, Kelly no longer sees the car as just a mode of transportation but as being emblematic of an administration he perceives to be damaging to the country.
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