In a surprising decision, Quebec resident Alain Roy has sold both his Tesla vehicles and canceled his Cybertruck order in protest against Elon Musk’s political alignment and controversial public actions.
Roy, who was once an enthusiastic supporter of Tesla’s cutting-edge electric vehicles, has now decided he no longer wants to be associated with the company due to Musk’s political influence and alleged far-right sympathies.
This move is not an isolated case. Across Europe, Australia, and North America, Tesla sales have taken a hit, with reports indicating that many former supporters are distancing themselves from the brand due to Musk’s political views and controversial statements.
The Breaking Point—Elon Musk’s Controversial Gesture
While Roy admits he was already growing uneasy with Musk’s actions, the final straw was Musk’s now-infamous gesture during U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
- The tech billionaire was accused of making a Nazi-style salute, a claim Musk has denied, calling it a “dirty trick” by critics.
- Regardless of Musk’s defense, the incident sparked outrage, with many Tesla owners reconsidering their support for the company.
- Roy, among others, felt deeply uncomfortable continuing to drive a car associated with a figure making such gestures.
“That sign was too much for me. I immediately canceled my Cybertruck order and both my Teslas are up for sale,” said Roy.
From Fan to Protester—Why Roy Took a Stand
Alain Roy was no casual Tesla owner.
- He and his wife both owned Tesla vehicles—a Model Y and a Model S.
- He was in the process of ordering a Cybertruck when Musk’s political shift became too much for him to ignore.
- Roy states that he loved the technology and performance of his Teslas, but ultimately, he couldn’t separate the product from its CEO.
“It’s Musk I don’t like,” he told Global News.
Roy was particularly disturbed when Musk joined Trump’s administration as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
This signaled to Roy that Musk was not just a businessman but a political figure with increasing influence—and not in a way he supported.
The Tesla Boycott—A Growing Trend?
Roy’s decision to sell his Teslas and boycott Musk is not an isolated case.
- Tesla’s sales have been declining in key markets such as Europe, the UK, and Australia.
- The company’s stock price has dropped by 30% from its all-time high in December.
- Online, Tesla owners have started displaying bumper stickers that read: “I bought this before Elon went crazy.”
Many believe that Musk’s political involvement and controversial public actions are damaging Tesla’s reputation.
But not everyone agrees. Gad Elmoznino, from Club Tesla Quebec, argues that Tesla remains a cutting-edge company that employs thousands of brilliant engineers.
“Let’s face it—me not buying a Tesla tomorrow is in no way going to affect Musk personally and is in no way going to change his behavior,” he told Global News.
Musk’s Controversial Political Stance
- Musk has been increasingly vocal about political issues, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
- He has publicly supported far-right politicians in Germany and the UK.
- He has been accused of using his platform, X (formerly Twitter), to spread misinformation about European policies on public safety and online regulation.
- He recently mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting Canada should become a U.S. state.
- Musk has endorsed tariffs on Tesla competitors, prompting Canadian leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland to propose a 100% tariff on Tesla vehicles in retaliation.
With Musk’s increasing influence in global politics, many Tesla owners—especially those who disagree with his views—are rethinking their support for the brand.
What Does This Mean for Tesla’s Future?
Tesla is facing a unique challenge—unlike traditional automakers, its brand is deeply tied to its CEO.
- Unlike a company like Ford or Toyota, where the CEO is largely unknown to the average consumer, Tesla is inseparable from Musk.
- This means Musk’s actions directly impact consumer perception.
- If Musk’s political activities continue to alienate former supporters, Tesla could see a long-term decline in market dominance.
While Tesla remains a leader in EV technology, its public image is changing—and for many, that change is for the worse.
