Tesla is facing one of the toughest periods in its history, with its stock price in freefall, declining sales, and growing dissatisfaction among investors and employees. The electric car company, once a Wall Street favorite, has seen its market value cut in half in recent months, raising serious concerns about its future. CEO Elon Musk, who has been preoccupied with his political ambitions and other ventures, is now scrambling to reassure employees and investors that Tesla will recover.
In an all-hands meeting with Tesla employees, Musk urged them not to sell their shares, despite the sharp decline in stock prices. He tried to boost morale by painting a picture of a bright future for the company, emphasizing the potential of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology and other upcoming innovations. However, many employees and investors are growing skeptical, as Tesla continues to face financial troubles, increasing competition, and public backlash over Musk’s involvement in politics.
For years, Tesla employees have been encouraged to hold onto their stock as part of a compensation strategy that allowed the company to pay lower salaries while offering equity in return. This approach worked well when Tesla’s stock was rising, creating significant wealth for many employees. But now, with the stock price plunging, that compensation is rapidly losing value. Senior executives have already started selling off their shares, and Musk’s plea to employees suggests that he fears a broader sell-off could further damage the company’s stock price.
Musk Tells Tesla Staff “Hang On To Stock” As Leftist NGOs Try Crashing It
Elon Musk reassured Tesla employees during a recent all-hands meeting, encouraging them to hold onto their stock despite a challenging year marked by a 42% drop in share value. He highlighted Tesla’s… pic.twitter.com/eJKSGr7XUA
— The Wall Street Chronicles (@ThewallstChron) March 21, 2025
Tesla’s stock decline is tied to multiple factors, including declining sales in key markets like China and Europe, increasing competition from rival automakers, and ongoing quality control issues. The recent recall of thousands of Cybertrucks due to safety concerns has only added to Tesla’s troubles. Meanwhile, Musk’s political involvement has sparked protests against the company, with some Tesla owners even setting their cars on fire in acts of defiance. The backlash is particularly strong in response to Musk’s role in the Trump administration, where he has supported policies that have drawn criticism from a broad range of groups.
Despite the turmoil, Musk remains confident in Tesla’s future. He has repeatedly promised that the company’s upcoming advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving will revolutionize the auto industry. He continues to claim that Tesla vehicles will soon be fully self-driving, even though similar promises have been made for years without materializing. Employees listening to Musk’s speech may have found it difficult to trust his words when past assurances have often fallen flat.
🚗 Elon Musk pleads with Tesla staff not to sell shares after Trump backlashhttps://t.co/ruiuQ6opno
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 21, 2025
Tesla’s struggles are also tied to global economic trends, including rising interest rates, inflation, and trade uncertainties. The company is heavily dependent on supply chains that have been disrupted by tariffs and geopolitical tensions, making it more expensive to manufacture and deliver vehicles. At the same time, consumer demand for electric vehicles is shifting, with many buyers now considering alternative brands that offer more affordable or reliable options.
One of the biggest risks for Musk is the growing frustration among Tesla employees. Many workers have accepted lower salaries in exchange for stock options, believing that Tesla’s continued success would make up for the difference. But as the stock price falls, these employees are seeing their compensation dwindle, leading to dissatisfaction and increased discussions about unionization. Musk has historically fought against union efforts, using Tesla’s stock awards as a way to keep workers from organizing. However, if the stock continues to lose value, that leverage will disappear, potentially opening the door to labor movements within the company.
The concerns are not limited to employees. Investors who have long supported Tesla are beginning to question Musk’s leadership. Some have called for him to step down as CEO or to at least refocus his attention on Tesla instead of dividing his time among multiple ventures, including SpaceX, Neuralink, and his political endeavors. Major investors like Ross Gerber have openly criticized Musk, arguing that Tesla needs a dedicated leader who is fully committed to running the company.
Funniest shit I’ve seen in decades was elon BEGGING tesla staff not to sell their shares in his FRAUDULENT COMPANY 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VKQ80sm3GH
— Boss Dawg (@typestruth) March 22, 2025
Tesla’s competitors are capitalizing on its struggles. Companies like BYD, Ford, and General Motors are gaining ground in the electric vehicle market, offering competitive models at lower prices. Meanwhile, Waymo and other tech firms are advancing in autonomous driving technology, challenging Tesla’s claims of being a leader in the field. The pressure is mounting, and Tesla can no longer afford to operate as if it has no serious rivals.
Musk’s plea to employees to hold onto their shares may be an attempt to prevent further damage, but it also signals desperation. If the CEO of a company needs to beg employees not to sell their stock, it raises questions about the confidence level within the organization. Many employees may wonder whether Musk himself truly believes in Tesla’s future or if he is merely trying to stabilize the stock price to protect his own financial interests.
