Tesla’s image has gone from iconic to embattled, and marketing expert Scott Galloway points the finger at CEO Elon Musk. On the Pivot podcast, Galloway condemned Musk’s alignment with the Trump administration and DOGE leadership as a key reason for Tesla’s brand collapse.
Tesla has strayed from its core values, alienating its loyal EV consumer base while gaining little from the politically aligned audience—75% of whom show no interest in electric cars. The consequences: a plunge in brand rank, poor European sales, and a 71% fall in profits. Musk has now vowed to reduce his DOGE involvement.