Elon Musk Faces a Storm of Setbacks as Tesla Struggles and Controversies Mount

Elon Musk has long been a figure of fascination, known for his revolutionary work in space exploration, electric vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies. However, recent developments have placed him under intense scrutiny. Musk, once the world’s richest person, is now grappling with several challenges that threaten his public image, his companies, and his long-term ambitions.

Among these challenges are the dramatic decline in Tesla’s stock value, a public separation from former President Donald Trump, and a brewing controversy over the installation of methane turbines at one of his company’s facilities. Together, these setbacks are beginning to reshape Musk’s public narrative and raise questions about his future success.

In recent months, Tesla, the electric vehicle giant that Musk helped create, has seen its stock value plummet. Over the past several months, Tesla’s stock has been on a steady decline, leaving many investors concerned about the company’s future. Despite Tesla’s impressive track record of innovation in electric vehicles, the company now faces increasing competition from traditional automakers and new entrants in the electric vehicle market.

This market saturation, coupled with concerns about the company’s profitability and Musk’s leadership style, has led to a dip in investor confidence. The result has been a decrease in Musk’s net worth, as Tesla's performance on the stock market has a significant impact on his personal wealth.

The latest survey results indicate that public sentiment toward Musk has shifted considerably, with a growing number of Americans expressing negative opinions about the tech mogul. According to a recent poll, 53.5% of respondents now view Musk unfavorably, a sharp increase from the 38% disapproval rate in 2024. Only 39.6% of those surveyed hold a positive view of him, reflecting a significant shift in how the public perceives the billionaire.

Musk’s critics point to a variety of factors behind this decline in popularity, including his increasingly erratic behavior on social media, his controversial business decisions, and his public involvement in political debates. As Musk’s personal and professional life continues to make headlines, it seems that his once-unshakable public image is now facing serious challenges.

One of the most significant blows to Musk’s public image came when former President Donald Trump publicly distanced himself from the billionaire. Trump’s comments, made in April 2025, were blunt: “I don’t need Elon at all, but I do like him. This guy has done a great job.” While Trump’s remarks may seem harmless, they signal a dramatic shift in their once-close relationship.

Musk had long been a vocal supporter of Trump, and their collaboration on various projects, including SpaceX and Tesla’s work with the U.S. government, had been widely publicized. However, Musk’s increasingly outspoken political views and his controversial decisions regarding his companies’ operations have led to a distancing between the two.

This public separation from a figure like Trump, who still holds significant influence in certain circles, could have further implications for Musk’s reputation and his ability to navigate the political and business landscapes.

The growing divide between Musk and Trump is just one aspect of the broader scrutiny Musk is facing, especially in regard to his business practices. In addition to the stock market struggles and the fallout from his public separation from Trump, Musk and his company, xAI, are also embroiled in a controversy regarding the installation of methane turbines at a facility in Memphis, Tennessee.

According to reports, Musk and his team installed 35 methane turbines at the facility, far exceeding the legally allowed limit for this type of equipment. The turbines, which are meant to help produce energy for Tesla’s operations, have become the subject of legal and environmental scrutiny.

Government regulators have proposed a fine of over $600 million per day for each of the turbines that exceed the allowable limit, leading to significant concerns about the environmental impact of Musk’s operations and his company’s ability to comply with local regulations.

The methane turbine controversy is emblematic of a larger issue facing Musk’s companies: the tension between technological advancement and environmental responsibility. While Musk has made strides in promoting sustainable energy solutions with Tesla’s electric vehicles and SolarCity’s solar power systems, the installation of the methane turbines raises questions about how his companies are balancing innovation with environmental impact.

The turbines, while intended to provide renewable energy, have raised concerns about the emissions they could release into the atmosphere. Additionally, critics argue that Musk’s companies should be held to the highest environmental standards, especially given Musk’s public stance on climate change and sustainability.

The situation surrounding the methane turbines and the potential fines has intensified the ongoing debate about Musk’s approach to business and the regulatory environment in which he operates. Musk has always been a strong advocate for disrupting traditional industries and cutting through red tape, but this approach is beginning to face pushback as his companies grow larger and more influential.

The issues surrounding the methane turbines underscore the challenges Musk faces as he continues to expand his empire. His desire to push the boundaries of what is possible often runs into the reality of regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility, forcing him to walk a fine line between innovation and regulation.

Despite these challenges, Musk’s companies continue to perform well in many areas, and his ventures still lead the way in several industries. Tesla remains a dominant force in the electric vehicle market, SpaceX continues to make strides in space exploration, and his other companies, like Neuralink, are at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies.

However, these controversies and the declining public perception of Musk’s leadership may begin to affect the trajectory of his companies. While Musk has proven time and again that he can overcome obstacles, the mounting pressures he faces from regulators, investors, and the public will require careful navigation moving forward.

The decline in Musk’s public favorability and the mounting controversies surrounding his business practices are raising critical questions about his long-term prospects as a leader in the tech and automotive industries. Musk has always been able to weather storms, but the combination of a declining stock value, public backlash, and legal challenges could put his companies at risk.

The fact that Musk is facing these challenges at a time when his companies are more visible than ever may mean that he will need to reassess his approach to leadership and public relations in order to maintain his position as an industry leader.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s recent setbacks—ranging from declining stock values and the distancing from former President Trump to the ongoing controversy over methane turbines—have created a perfect storm of challenges for the billionaire entrepreneur. These issues have sparked widespread scrutiny and raised questions about Musk’s ability to lead effectively in the face of growing public and regulatory pressures.

Despite the difficulties he faces, Musk’s ambition and vision remain undeterred. How he addresses these challenges will determine the future trajectory of his companies and his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern technology and space exploration. Musk has proven time and again that he thrives under pressure, but how he navigates this new wave of scrutiny will ultimately shape his next moves in the business world.