Teslas were a symbol of progressive values. Now some progressives are ditching the cars. [View all]

Source: NBC News

March 17, 2025, 3:36 PM EDT


It was not enough for Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., to announce that he had gotten rid of his Tesla. He did it on X, the social media platform headed by Elon Musk, who took over as CEO of the electric vehicle company in 2008.

Kelly made his reason for abandoning the car that one time represented progress and automotive and environmental achievement: Musk and his politics. “Every time I get in this car in the last 60 days or so, it reminds me of just how much damage Elon Musk and Donald Trump is doing to our country,” Kelly posted.

Other well-known figures have dumped Teslas as well, including actor Jason Bateman, who said driving it was like “driving around with a Trump sticker” back in October.

Music star Sheryl Crow made a video to announce she had sold her Tesla. She donated the money from the sale to NPR, posting: “My parents always said … you are who you hang out with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long, Tesla.”

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/progressives-selling-getting-rid-teslas-elon-musk-rcna196058