Mark Kelly quits Tesla amid backlash against Elon Musk

On March 15, 2025, in the United States, Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly faced intense criticism from conservatives on social media after he shared a video explaining his decision to sell his Tesla. He stated that driving the vehicle had become increasingly uncomfortable for him due to the actions of Elon Musk, who he criticized as an "a--hole". Kelly's remarks highlighted his frustrations over job cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, specifically at the Department of Veterans Affairs, stating that every time he entered his Tesla, it reminded him of the damage caused by both Musk and former President Donald Trump. Kelly's video, which garnered over 1.5 million views within two hours of posting, was met with various reactions, many of which mocked his decision. He claimed that he could no longer use a product associated with a person he sees as creating a negative impact on the country. His comments drew responses from notable conservative figures, including House Majority Speaker Mike Johnson's communications director, who remarked that it appears Elon Musk "lives rent-free" in Kelly's mind. Furthermore, Fox News Digital sought further comment from Kelly's office following his announcement. In addition to Kelly's controversy, Tesla has also been facing challenges with sales across the globe, including a reported 49% decrease in shipments in China and an 11% drop in U.S. sales in January, a departure from trends in the EV market for other brands. This downturn may be attributed to Musk's political activities, including his association with Trump, as tensions surrounding these relationships have escalated to protests and vandalism involving Tesla vehicles and charging stations nationwide. Reports indicate that public backlash has intensified towards Tesla, leading to damaged vehicles, as consumers grow wary of the implications of supporting the company associated with contentious figures like Musk and Trump.