The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla’s board had initiated a search for a new CEO to replace Elon Musk
citing sources familiar with discussions that began in March due to Musk’s focus on his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Tesla’s declining stock price and sales. The report noted that board members, concerned about Musk’s divided attention amid a 71% profit drop in Q1 2025 and protests over his political affiliations, contacted executive search firms to explore succession options, though it was unclear if Musk, a board member, was aware of these efforts.
Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm swiftly denied the report on X, calling it “absolutely false” and expressing the board’s full confidence in Musk’s leadership to execute Tesla’s growth plan, particularly in autonomous vehicles and robotics. Musk also responded on X, labeling the WSJ article a “DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE” and an “EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS,” alleging the outlet failed to include the board’s denial before publication.