**Tesla Shareholder Urges Elon Musk to Resign Amid Controversy**
Elon Musk and Tesla are frequently seen as synonymous, yet this connection has become a significant concern for at least one prominent investor.
Ross Gerber, an early investor in Tesla, has openly called for Musk to step down as CEO. In an interview with *Sky News*, Gerber voiced his worries that Musk’s ties to the U.S. government—particularly his management of the contentious Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—and his close association with President Donald Trump have adversely affected Tesla.
“I believe Tesla is in need of a new CEO, and today, I chose to start expressing that,” Gerber remarked on *Sky News’ Business Live*. “It’s time for someone to prioritize managing Tesla. The company has been overlooked for far too long.”
Gerber contended that Musk must either resign or fully dedicate himself to Tesla, but he also recognized that “the company’s image has been tarnished by Elon Musk.” He further underscored the urgency of the matter, stating, “Sales are diminishing, so absolutely, it’s a crisis. You honestly can’t sell the top product in the market because the CEO is so polarizing.”
### Tesla’s Challenges Persist
Tesla has encountered considerable obstacles in recent months. Although the company saw a brief surge in its stock after Election Day, that increase has since been erased by the realities of Trump’s administration. Tesla’s stock, which was nearly $480 per share in mid-December, had fallen to about $232 per share as of Wednesday.
Musk has consistently been a contentious figure, with controversies spanning from his notorious “Roman” salute to his nearly $300 million endeavor to sway the 2024 U.S. election. However, his ambiguous yet presumably influential role in the government has further tarnished his public standing. Recent polls indicate that Musk’s reputation has suffered a notable decline among Americans, and this drop in public perception is now impacting Tesla’s performance.
As Tesla’s difficulties increase, investors are starting to pay attention—and some, like Gerber, believe it’s time for a change in leadership.