In a stunning shake-up that has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and Wall Street, Ross Gerber — one of Tesla’s most prominent and influential investors — has publicly called for Elon Musk to step down as CEO. The call comes in the wake of a catastrophic $800 billion drop in Tesla’s market value, a loss so massive it’s hard to fathom — and one that has left investors and analysts scrambling for answers.

Tesla, once the undisputed titan of the electric vehicle (EV) market and the most valuable automaker in the world, is now at a crossroads. For years, Musk was credited with transforming the auto industry through bold innovation and visionary leadership. But critics say that in recent months, his focus has drifted — and the consequences have been disastrous.

A Crisis of Confidence

The numbers tell a stark story: Tesla’s stock, once a Wall Street darling, has nosedived in recent months, wiping out billions in shareholder value. Analysts have described the plunge not as a normal market correction, but as a full-blown crisis of confidence — one that’s as much about leadership as it is about business fundamentals.

At the center of that crisis is Elon Musk himself.

What was once seen as eccentric genius now increasingly appears to investors as erratic and unfocused behavior. Musk’s controversial political affiliations, frequent social media outbursts, and distractions from other ventures have eroded the confidence of stakeholders who once believed in his ability to lead Tesla into the future.

Ross Gerber, president and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, did not mince words in a statement that has gone viral in the financial community:

“Elon Musk has been an incredible visionary and leader, but the time has come for Tesla to have a leader who can focus fully on the company and its future. Tesla needs a CEO who can steer the company with a steady hand and a long-term strategy — not someone distracted by politics and personal ventures. We need stability, and that requires a leadership change.”

Gerber’s statement reflects a growing unease that has been simmering among investors, customers, and Tesla employees for months.

Politics and Priorities

One of the most controversial elements of Musk’s recent behavior has been his deepening involvement in politics — particularly his vocal support for President Donald Trump. While Musk has always courted controversy, his increasingly partisan tone has alienated Tesla’s core customer base, which tends to be environmentally conscious and progressive.

Musk’s endorsement of Trump’s policies and his decision to join the president’s advisory council drew ire from climate activists and longtime Tesla supporters. That backlash eventually turned into protests and boycotts, with demonstrators picketing Tesla showrooms in major U.S. and European cities. The message was clear: Tesla’s green mission and Musk’s political agenda were becoming incompatible.

The internal impact has been just as damaging. According to sources close to the company, employee morale has plummeted as political controversies began to overshadow the work being done in Tesla’s factories and design labs.

Cryptocurrency Obsession

Adding to investor frustration has been Musk’s unpredictable relationship with cryptocurrency, particularly Dogecoin. While Musk’s tweets have occasionally driven massive surges in the digital currency’s value, critics argue that they’ve also caused dangerous volatility — not just in crypto markets, but for Tesla’s own financial standing.

Musk’s tweets and public comments on Dogecoin have, at times, overshadowed important company milestones and product launches. As Tesla faced mounting competition from both startups like Rivian and Lucid Motors and legacy automakers like Ford and GM, Musk seemed more focused on his crypto persona than Tesla’s market position.

That perceived lack of focus alarmed investors and insiders alike. Executives within Tesla reportedly urged Musk to reprioritize the company’s core mission, warning that the distraction could jeopardize Tesla’s lead in the rapidly growing EV sector.

Innovation Slowdown and Internal Discontent

Tesla’s innovation engine, once its strongest asset, is now showing signs of fatigue. Key product rollouts have been delayed, including updates to the long-awaited Cybertruck and a more affordable EV model aimed at mass-market consumers. As competitors accelerated their EV programs, Tesla’s pipeline began to lag.

Musk’s reduced presence at the company has only exacerbated concerns. With his attention divided between SpaceX, Neuralink, X (formerly Twitter), and political causes, Tesla insiders say that critical leadership voids are emerging. Some high-ranking employees have quietly exited the company, while others are considering similar moves if the current trajectory continues.

“Tesla’s greatest asset has always been its innovation,” said one former Tesla engineer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But innovation needs focus. And we’re not getting that from Elon right now.”

A Divided Investor Base

Gerber’s statement has amplified a growing rift among Tesla shareholders. On one side are those who believe Musk’s vision remains indispensable and argue that his unorthodox methods are part of what made Tesla a household name. On the other side are investors like Gerber who believe Musk’s leadership has become a liability.

Wall Street is now divided. Some analysts are calling for a formal vote of no confidence, while others are advocating for a clearer succession plan — one that would allow Musk to remain involved as a visionary or board member, but hand off day-to-day operations to a more focused CEO.

Musk, for his part, has remained silent on the latest developments. His X account — once a nonstop stream of product announcements, space photos, and memes — has been conspicuously quiet since the stock drop intensified.

What’s Next for Tesla?

Tesla’s future now hangs in the balance. As pressure mounts from investors, customers, and regulators, the company faces a defining moment: Will it double down on its current path under Musk, or take the bold step of bringing in new leadership to stabilize its footing?

Some argue that this is a natural stage in Tesla’s evolution — that even revolutionary companies need to transition from founder-led chaos to steady operational management. Others see the current crisis as a potential death knell if swift action isn’t taken.

One thing is certain: Tesla cannot afford to continue losing market share, investor trust, and employee morale all at once. The road ahead will require not only technological prowess, but strategic discipline and a clear vision for the future.

As the dust settles, the world will be watching Tesla — and Elon Musk — more closely than ever. For a company built on bold bets and big dreams, the next chapter could determine whether Tesla remains the undisputed leader of the electric vehicle revolution — or becomes a cautionary tale of visionary leadership gone awry.