Elon Musk Steps Back from Politics, Refocuses on Tesla’s Future
Tonight, in a surprising but perhaps overdue pivot, Elon Musk is turning his attention away from the political spotlight and returning to the core of what made him a household name—innovative technology and electric vehicles.
In an interview with CNBC’s David Favor at an event promoting Tesla’s highly anticipated robo-taxis, Musk signaled that his days of political involvement and campaign contributions are coming to an end.
This declaration marks a significant shift for the world’s richest man, who in recent years has frequently made headlines not only for technological advancements but also for his controversial role in the Trump administration and political donations. Having recently stepped down from his advisory position with the former president’s team, Musk insists he does not regret the experience—but acknowledges its mixed legacy.
When asked if his government service had damaged the Tesla brand, Musk admitted:
He also addressed a lingering controversy from Trump’s inauguration, where he was accused of making a “Nazi” hand gesture. Musk firmly denied any such intentions, stating the gesture was misinterpreted.
At one point unofficially dubbed the “head of the Department of Government Efficiency,” or “DOGE,” Musk had taken it upon himself to champion major federal budget cuts. His aggressive push to eliminate waste in government spending drew intense backlash, igniting protests and boycotts across the country.
However, the consequences were not limited to politics. Tesla’s bottom line took a serious hit. The company’s profits plunged 71% in the first quarter, a staggering drop that Musk attributes largely to a recent retooling of Tesla factories rather than public backlash. Despite the financial turbulence, Musk remained optimistic:
With his political experiments now in the rearview mirror, Musk is eager to get back to what he does best: building the future.
As for what’s next at Tesla? Musk is betting big—again—on self-driving technology. He claims the company is closer than ever to delivering fully autonomous vehicles and suggests other automakers are in talks to license Tesla’s cutting-edge self-driving systems.
Skeptics, however, may be quick to note that similar promises have been made since 2016.
Still, tonight marks a shift. Elon Musk is leaving the campaign trail behind and returning to the garage—from which he may once again drive the future.
