Elon Musk Rages at Wall Street Analyst's Tesla Advice: 'Shut Up'

Elon Musk's Response to Criticism Over Political Activities

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, recently found himself in a public dispute with a well-known technology analyst who suggested that Tesla’s board should impose limits on his political activities. Musk responded by telling the analyst, Dan Ives, to "shut up" after Ives called for more oversight of the billionaire CEO.

On July 8, Ives made his comments on the social platform X, suggesting that Tesla should curb Musk’s political endeavors as part of a broader strategy to get the company back on track. While Tesla has long been seen as a leader in electric vehicles and clean energy solutions, such as its next-gen Powerwall battery storage system, the company has faced challenges in recent months.

Despite its strong position in the cleantech sector, Tesla has experienced a sharp decline in global EV sales during the first half of 2025. Its stock has also struggled to maintain its value, leading analysts to question whether the company is losing ground to competitors. Many point to Musk’s growing involvement in politics as a key factor behind this shift.

As consumers increasingly opt for electric vehicles over traditional gas-guzzling cars, EVs are becoming more eco-friendly and cost-effective to own and operate. This trend is especially beneficial when combined with solar panels, which allow users to charge their vehicles at home using renewable energy. Companies like EnergySage help reduce installation costs, making solar power an attractive option for many.

However, some consumers have become wary of Tesla due to its association with Musk’s controversial views and behavior. His frequent social media clashes and public statements have led some to view support for Tesla as an endorsement of his actions. This perception has started to impact the company’s bottom line.

On July 5, Musk suggested he would launch a third American political party, reigniting his feud with former President Donald Trump over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this legislation could add trillions to the national debt. Following this announcement, Tesla shares dropped by 7%.

A day later, Ives not only urged the Tesla board to increase oversight of Musk’s political activities but also called for a clearer path toward a potential merger between Tesla and xAI, a company owned by Musk. He also proposed implementing “guardrails” that tie Musk’s time spent with Tesla to his compensation.

Musk responded by quoting Ives and telling him to remain quiet. Despite this, Ives and other analysts believe that these steps are essential for helping Tesla regain its footing, addressing investor concerns, and protecting shareholders.

“In a nutshell, we believe this is a tipping point in the Tesla story and ultimately the Tesla Board needs to act now and set the ground rules for Musk going forward around his political ambitions and actions,” Ives wrote in a research note to investors.

Jo-Ellen Pozner, a professor at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, added that Musk’s divided attention has already put pressure on Tesla’s brand. She noted that his plan to form a new political party adds unnecessary reputational risk.

As Tesla continues to navigate these challenges, many are wondering if the company can recover from its recent struggles. Some believe it depends largely on Musk’s actions moving forward. Others feel that Tesla is not truly struggling and that the company will find a way to bounce back.