Musk Urges Employees "Don't Sell Stocks" as Tesla Shares Plunge

Emergency All-Staff Meeting Called Without Notice
"Soothing Employees: 'Our Future Is Exciting and Bright'"

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently tried to soothe employees by urging them not to sell their shares amid the sharp decline in the stock price, saying, "Tesla's future is bright."

According to foreign media on the 20th (local time), Musk urgently convened an all-staff meeting that was not on the schedule and said, "There are rough roads and stormy times, but we have a bright and exciting future, so please continue to hold your shares." The meeting was also broadcast live through Musk's media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Since Musk became the head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force, Tesla's stock price has plummeted about 39% so far this year due to his political activities and opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump. A rally held in front of a Tesla store even escalated into violence.

Musk tried to calm the public by saying, "When you read the news, it feels as if Armageddon has come. Tesla cars burning scenes are frequently shown on TV," adding, "If you don't want to buy our products, that's understandable, but there is no need to burn the cars."

He also presented a new vision. He said the goal is to expand future fully autonomous vehicles without pedals and steering wheels to a new level. Additionally, he mentioned that the humanoid robot Optimus could be used internally as early as the second half of 2026, with the first sales going to Tesla employees.

He said he is also considering entering the aviation industry. "I have been thinking about aircraft design for a long time. I am considering making an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, eVTOL," he added.

Tesla's stock price, which soared to a historic high with the election of U.S. President Donald Trump in November last year, has fallen nearly 40% compared to the beginning of the year, giving up all the gains. There are ongoing criticisms that Musk is focusing solely on his duties at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and not fulfilling his role as Tesla CEO.

Dan Ives, a leading Tesla bull and technical analyst at Wedbush Securities on Wall Street, also voiced criticism. He said, "Tesla stock has been falling sharply for three months. Musk needs to refocus on Tesla," urging Musk to provide a clear roadmap for the low-cost electric vehicle scheduled for production in 2025. Ives stated, "(Tesla) has become a political symbol. That is not good for any brand," adding, "Tesla's technology remains strong, but investors are frustrated that Musk is distracted by politics."