It turns out that for some Tesla owners — especially in New York — the car once seen as a sleek badge of eco-conscious status has turned into an uncomfortable symbol of political controversy. The backlash has gone from silent shame to active divestment, protests, and even vandalism, like a red swastika spray-painted on a Cybertruck. At the heart of all this friction? The highly polarizing figure of Elon Musk. As Tesla’s brand increasingly takes on the identity of its CEO, drivers like artist and hip-hop legend Fab 5 Freddy say owning one feels like sporting a “red MAGA hat.” With interest and sales in freefall, and even New York pension funds under pressure to dump Tesla stock, the question isn’t just whether Tesla can bounce back — it’s whether it’s permanently become a symbol of division instead of innovation.

Key Points:

• Former Tesla fans are reconsidering ownership due to Elon Musk’s controversial behavior and associations.

• Visual artist Fab 5 Freddy decided to sell his Tesla, saying: “It’s really looking like you’re wearing a red MAGA hat driving this car.”

• Edmunds reports Tesla trade-ins are at record highs, while online interest in buying one is at the lowest point since 2022.

• Brooklyn-based Kara Li and her family traded in their Tesla for a Ford EV, noting the brand had shifted “from emissions concern to Elon Musk cult.”

• Protests at New York Tesla dealerships have led to at least 15 arrests, with more expected during the national “Tesla Takedown” movement.

• Tesla’s stock has lost roughly 50% of its value since December, cutting Elon Musk’s net worth by $29 billion in a single day this month.

• Recent issues like a Cybertruck recall and negative public sentiment are feeding investor anxiety.

• New York State legislatures are pushing to divest the state’s 3.5 million shares. “It started with ethics and transparency,” said Senator Patricia Fahy.

• The City of New York holds around $1.2 billion in Tesla stock in pension funds; candidates for comptroller are calling for its sale.

• Disillusioned Tesla drivers are turning to witty protest gear, like bumper magnets that read: “MAKE THIS CAR NOT EMBARRASSING AGAIN.”

Additional Context:

• Elon Musk has faced mounting criticism over his online activity, including his association with conspiracy theories and controversial posts on X (formerly Twitter).

• Tesla vehicle recalls, especially for the Cybertruck, have become frequent and may be contributing to declining consumer trust.

• The Tesla backlash ties into broader concerns over corporate ethics, tech billionaire influence, and the politicization of formerly apolitical consumer choices — especially in liberal urban centers.

• The rise of alternative EV options like Ford, Hyundai, and Rivian gives former Tesla loyalists more socially and politically “neutral” alternatives.

For those watching from the sidelines: What happens when your car’s vibe shifts from futuristic to fascist-adjacent? Apparently, you start shopping for bumper stickers and a new set of wheels.
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