BREAKING: A groundbreaking study from Yale University and the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that Elon Musk’s political activities may have cost Tesla over 1 million vehicle sales in the United States. The research, published earlier this week, identifies a significant correlation between Musk’s right-leaning political stance and declining consumer interest in Tesla, particularly in predominantly Democratic counties.
The study highlights a disturbing trend that began in October 2022, coinciding with Musk’s controversial acquisition of Twitter. Researchers tracked vehicle registrations from 2018 to 2025 and noted that while overall electric vehicle (EV) sales surged, Tesla’s growth trajectory shifted dramatically in liberal regions. This shift marks what researchers are calling the “Musk partisan effect,” pointing to the influence of Musk’s political affiliations on his brand’s appeal.
Before October 2022, Tesla’s sales were on an upward trend. However, in the wake of Musk’s political engagement, registrations in Democratic areas plummeted, even as conservative counties showed modest increases. This stark contrast underscores the potential fallout of Musk’s political activities on Tesla’s market position.
The researchers utilized local voting data to assess political orientations and combined that with vehicle registration information to draw their conclusions. Despite acknowledging other factors—such as a lack of new Tesla models and increased competition from legacy automakers—the impact of Musk’s political stance is seen as a major contributor to Tesla’s declining sales.
In a surprising twist, the study noted that Tesla experienced a brief sales surge in October, attributed to the expiration of federal EV credits. However, the long-term outlook remains bleak as researchers predict continuous challenges for the company, largely stemming from Musk’s actions.
Previous studies have also linked Musk’s political behavior to a decrease in support for Tesla, further establishing a troubling pattern. When contacted for comment, Musk’s company, xAI, dismissed the findings, stating simply, “Legacy Media Lies.” Tesla, which notably disbanded its public relations department years ago, did not respond to inquiries about the study.
This new research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that corporate leaders’ political affiliations can have profound effects on their businesses. As the situation develops, industry experts and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how Tesla navigates this tumultuous landscape.
With Tesla’s sales at stake, the implications of Musk’s political affiliations extend beyond mere numbers—they may redefine the future of the EV market and consumer trust. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
