"Musk, It's Time to Focus on Tesla Again"…Harsh Words from Devoted Fans Amid Stock Plunge

Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities Analyst
Tesla Stock Plummets, Criticizes Musk
"Investors Frustrated as Focus Shifts to Politics"

Dan Ives, a technical analyst at Wedbush Securities and a prominent Tesla bull on Wall Street, has for once voiced criticism, saying "Elon Musk, CEO, should focus on Tesla." Known as a big fan of Tesla, he stated in an interview with the U.S. economic portal Yahoo Finance on the 20th (local time) that "Tesla's stock has plummeted over the past three months" and insisted that "Musk needs to refocus on Tesla."

Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities analyst, attending the '2025 Stock Market Outlook' lecture held for investors at Hana Securities in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 18th of last month. Photo by Asia Economy

Ives said, "Tesla is going through a crisis, and only Musk can solve it," adding, "Musk needs to change course now, and Tesla's future depends on this." He argued that two things must be prioritized to stop the negative trend on Tesla and bring its stock price back to a normal trajectory.

First, Musk must balance his role as head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force and his role as Tesla's CEO. Second, Musk and Tesla need to provide a clear roadmap for the low-cost electric vehicle promised since last year, scheduled for production in 2025.

Ives added, "(Tesla) has become a political symbol. This is not good for any brand," and "Tesla's technology remains strong, but investors are frustrated that Musk is distracted by politics."

Earlier, he had predicted, "Musk's relationship with Trump has been a concern for the Tesla brand, but ultimately it will be beneficial." If Tesla, closely aligned with the Trump administration, secures streamlined federal regulations related to autonomous driving, it will gain the best advantage.

However, there are also evaluations that Musk's full-fledged political activities and opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump, which have led to protests and violent incidents in front of Tesla stores, are negatively impacting the company. Tesla's stock price has fallen about 39% so far this year.