Two-thirds of Americans reportedly would not drive a Tesla. Once the clear leader in electric cars, Tesla is facing a change in public view that calls major doubt on its future. A recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll indicates 67% of Americans would not consider purchasing or leasing a Tesla; the main reason is not related to the vehicles themselves. It revolves on Elon Musk, the open CEO of the firm, and his political clout.
More than just a social media storm, this mounting backlash against Musk’s leadership is influencing Tesla’s sales, brand, even place in the used car market. Let’s examine closely what is happening, why public opinion is changing, and what this might mean for the company’s future.
The Poll: Reasons Americans Are Avoiding Tesla
The Yahoo/YouGov poll presents a clear picture: more than two-thirds of Americans are no longer interested in driving a Tesla, and a sizable portion say Musk’s political engagement is the reason.
Although Elon Musk has long been praised for his inventiveness, his increasing participation in American political debate—especially his support of far-right causes and public critique of progressive establishments—has divided the public. With just 39% of Americans having a positive view, the poll revealed that 55% of Americans see Musk negatively.
The Tesla brand now goes hand in hand with Musk’s leadership approach, divisive tweets, and mounting political influence. For others, that becomes a deal-breaker.
Sales Are Slipping Globally
That change in attitude is evident on Tesla’s sales record as well as on polls. While the general European electric vehicle market grew by 26%, Tesla’s vehicle sales in February 2025 dropped by 40% year over year. That is a major departure from market trends, and experts believe political baggage contributes in some capacity.
Numbers in China are even more strikingly different. February’s Tesla sales fell by 87% from a year before. China is Tesla’s second-largest market after the United States, thus a collapse of such scope could have long-term consequences.
While Tesla is still selling vehicles back in the United States, its brand is growing more politicized. A Morning Consult and Stifel study revealed that while favorability among Republicans increased by 16 points, Tesla’s net favorability among Democrats dropped by 22 points—a clear indication the brand is today seen through a political lens.
Made Teslas Flood the Market.
Still another indication of impending problems? The explosion in previously owned Tesla listings. With almost 11,500 listings as of mid-March, used Tesla cars for sale in the United States jumped by 33% in 2025. That’s a notable increase, and many industry analysts interpret it as evidence that current owners are distancing themselves from the brand—again, mostly in response to worries about Musk’s public behavior and political leanings.
A few publicly declaring they “don’t want to be associated with him anymore,” some Tesla owners have even mentioned Musk’s comments and affiliations as justification for selling their cars.
Protests and brand boycotts
The public pushback is active rather than merely passive. Rising movements like the “Tesla Takedown” urge consumers to oppose Musk’s increasing power by boycotting Tesla cars. Critics who contend that Musk’s leadership and public comments contradict the values of many Tesla consumers have helped to magnify these demonstrations, which have been planned worldwide.
Wall Street Is Under Constant Watch.
Not too far behind are investors. After December 2024, Tesla’s stock has been erratic and dropped over forty percent. Analyzes blame this drop on issues with brand image and executive distraction in addition to declining demand and growing competitiveness. Some are pushing Tesla to figure out how to separate the brand from Musk’s divisive public image.
Global EV manufacturers like BYD, Rivian, Hyundai, and conventional automakers now deep into electrification efforts create intense new competition for Tesla. And Tesla’s once-untouchable reputation in the EV market is eroding as consumers today are more eager than ever to consider alternatives.
Thus, Is It True? Would Two-Thirds of Americans Really Steer Clear of Tesla?
The data right now indicates yes, and plenty of actual evidence supports this. The narrative isn’t fixed, though.
Tesla still generates cutting-edge, highly performing cars. Many rivals still struggle to match the solid specs, software, and charging infrastructure of the Model 3, Model Y, and newer Cybertruck. But the brand impression has changed, and it now goes beyond the product.
Many consumers view Tesla as a continuation of Musk personally these days. That is rather central to the issue. That kind of identification can alienate half the market in a polarizing political environment.
What direction does Tesla have next?
Tesla must decide whether to intensify its present course or try to rebuild its reputation with more general appeal. That might mean more distance separating Musk’s public message from his personal views. Alternatively, it could mean Musk keeps defining Tesla’s character for better or bad.
In either case, this event represents a significant turning point for Tesla as well as for the relationship between consumers and corporate leadership generally.
Bottom Line: Though it is no more untouchable, Tesla is still a significant participant in the EV space. The company is having a major branding crisis with declining sales, accumulating used cars, and consumers voting with their wallets. Should public reaction persist, the road ahead might get rocky.
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