Major pension funds are demanding Elon Musk refocus on Tesla after his political ventures hurt the company’s stock and reputation. Investors managing $2.8 billion in Tesla shares blasted Musk’s divided attention and the board’s failure to rein him in. They called for Musk to work a 40-hour week at Tesla instead of prioritizing side projects and political stunts.
The backlash comes as Tesla faces tanking sales, stock swings, and sinking public trust. Pension leaders warn Musk’s circus-like behavior – including bizarre public appearances – is destabilizing the brand. One fund compared Tesla’s volatility to meme stocks like GameStop, calling it a reckless gamble for retirees’ savings.
American workers’ pensions are now at risk because Musk cares more about Twitter feuds than building cars. A Pennsylvania county pension froze new Tesla investments, calling Musk a “spectacle” who’s bleeding shareholder trust. Danish funds dumped Tesla entirely over Musk’s anti-union stance and refusal to respect worker rights.
Tesla’s board has failed hardworking investors by letting Musk treat the company like a personal hobby. With insiders like Musk’s brother on the board, there’s zero accountability for reckless decisions. Pension managers say Tesla’s leadership acts more like a family dynasty than a responsible public company.
Musk’s White House photo-ops and “DOGE initiative” role distracted him while Tesla burned. His toddler’s black eye made headlines, but investors are focused on the company’s deepening wounds. Once a pioneer, Tesla now trails competitors as Musk prioritizes politics over production lines.
Union-busting and workplace disputes have haunted Tesla for years, alienating patriotic investors. European pensions led the exodus, but U.S. funds are finally waking up to the risks. One controller warned Tesla’s toxic culture and meme-stock antics could wipe out retirees’ life savings.
Enough is enough. Pension leaders demand Musk either commit fully to Tesla or step aside for someone who will. The board must put America’s workers and investors ahead of Musk’s ego-driven projects. Tesla needs stable leadership, not a part-time CEO chasing clout.
This is a wake-up call for corporate America: executives work for shareholders, not their Twitter followers. Musk’s sideshows might entertain coastal elites, but heartland pensioners need results. It’s time for Tesla to refocus on building quality vehicles – and stop treating workers and investors like afterthoughts.
