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The internal situation at Tesla has become increasingly tense due to growing criticism of Elon Musk from current and former employees. In the first quarter of 2025, the company's global sales fell by 13%, its worst figure since 2022, with 336,681 vehicles delivered compared to almost 387,000 in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the electric vehicle market grew by 10% in the US, highlighting that the problem is specific to Tesla and not the sector in general
Open letter from a group of workers
In response, a group of workers published an open letter entitled "Tesla Employees Against Elon", in which they express their concern about the direction of the company under Musk's leadership. In the letter, they state: "We are at a crossroads: continue with Elon as CEO of Tesla and face further decline as customers abandon the brand, or move on without him and allow our products and mission to succeed or fail on their own."
One of the driving forces behind this initiative, Matthew LaBrot, former head of sales and delivery training, was fired after launching the website and participating in a protest under the slogan "Pro Tesla, Not Elon!". LaBrot, who has been an advocate for Tesla's sustainable mission, expressed his discontent with the company's increasing politicization and the negative impact of Musk's actions on the brand. Despite his dismissal, LaBrot maintains his for Tesla's products and vision, but criticizes Musk's influence on the company's operations and public image.
Tesla's management's reaction to such criticism has created a climate of fear and self-censorship within the company. The firing of employees critical of Musk and the suspension of social media s that shared the letter have fueled accusations of repression and contradiction with the "free speech absolutism" rhetoric that Musk himself publicly advocates.
These events come against a backdrop of challenges for Tesla, including a 13% drop in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter and declining sales in key markets such as China and Europe. Analysts point to growing competition, Musk's political controversies and weaker demand for electric vehicles as factors contributing to the company's current difficulties. The situation raises questions about Tesla's future leadership and whether the company can overcome these challenges with Elon Musk at the helm.