ABC NEWS - April 26, 2025
By Lewis Wiseman
Donald Trump says he is a "great patriot" and has been "treated unfairly" — but Elon Musk's close relationship with the Trump administration may pose a challenge for his Tesla brand.
The company's share price has nose-dived, with some experts warning the Musk name and his embrace of far right-wing views may be hitting his automotive company hard.
The Texas-based firm reported a 71 per cent drop in profits and a 9 per cent decline in revenue for the first quarter. Musk has scaled back his government cost-cutting job to a "day or two per week" to focus more on his old job as Tesla's boss.
Tesla's stock slumping has been linked to Musk's foray into politics and his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, a recent report from the Global Risk Advisory Council shows Musk might have a bigger problem. His personal brand and reputation may be tarnished.
