Tesla Exodus Continues as Senator Mark Kelly Dumps Car Over Elon Musk
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly recently announced that he is getting rid of his Tesla, citing his dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk’s political views and actions. Kelly, a former Navy fighter pilot, stated that his Tesla felt like a “rolling billboard for a man dismantling our government and hurting people.”
Why Kelly is Ditching Tesla
Kelly’s decision follows a heated exchange with Musk on X (formerly Twitter). After Kelly tweeted about supporting Ukraine, Musk responded by calling him a “traitor.” In response, Kelly criticized Musk for not understanding America’s values, adding that Musk seems to prioritize his financial interests over everything else.
Public Backlash Against Musk
Kelly is not the only one distancing himself from Tesla. Other public figures, including singer Sheryl Crow, have sold their Teslas due to Musk’s controversial political involvement. Across the U.S., protests against Musk and Tesla have escalated, with many arguing that the brand is now associated with right-wing politics.
Tesla’s Struggles
The backlash comes at a challenging time for Tesla, which has been facing declining stock prices and reduced public trust. Even a pro-Tesla event hosted by former President Donald Trump at the White House did little to boost the company’s image.
Kelly’s Final Words
Kelly stated that while there were things he liked about Tesla, he could no longer support a brand so closely linked to Musk. He called for accountability, saying that making ethical choices—like switching to a different car—is part of doing the right thing.
