The world of electric mobility was recently rocked by an emotional statement from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. In a surprise interview with an American news channel, the billionaire spoke openly about the challenges facing his company. Musk, the persona ordinaire for his investments, was visibly moved as he spoke about the wave of hate and sabotage Tesla has experienced in recent months.
“I’m shocked by the level of hate we’re facing,” Musk said with a straight face. “I’ve never done anything harmful—in fact, we’re trying to make the world a better place.” His words came amid reports of vandalism at Tesla factories, targeted disinformation campaigns, and even threats against employees. The Gigafactory in Shanghai, in particular, has been the target of multiple attacks in recent weeks, with unknown perpetrators attempting to damage production facilities.
The background to these hostilities is complex. Some critics accuse Tesla of destabilizing local labor markets and circumventing environmental standards with its aggressive expansion. Furthermore, Musk has a polarized figure that provokes the use of platforms like X by the elected representatives. But Musk said this: “We’re creating jobs, we’re reducing emissions—so why all the hatred?” He suggested that competitors from the traditional automotive industry might be behind the attacks, but without providing concrete evidence.
Tesla has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years, with a market share that dwarfs many established manufacturers. But this success also seems to have attracted some jealousy. In March 2025, the company reported a decline in production in Europe after supply chains were disrupted by mysterious disruptions. At the same time, rumors circulated online about alleged safety defects in Tesla vehicles, which experts dismissed as unfounded.
Musk also used the interview to defend his vision. “We’re not just building cars, we’re building a future,” he emphasized. He pointed to Tesla’s advances in battery technology and autonomous driving as proof of the company’s positive impact. Yet he seemed unusually thoughtful as he admitted that the constant attacks hit him personally. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it,” he said quietly, before regaining his composure and promising to keep fighting.
Reactions to Musk’s words were mixed. Tesla fans launched a solidarity campaign with the hashtag #StandWithElon, while writing in the Twitter feed, accusing Tesla of self-victimization. However, analysts see the situation as an opportunity for Tesla to demonstrate its resilience. “If they survive this crisis, they could emerge stronger,” said one industry expert.
It remains to be seen how Tesla will handle these challenges in the coming months. Musk announced that he will strengthen security measures at all locations and request support from the authorities. The world is watching with bated breath to see how the electric car pioneer weathers this storm—and whether Musk can advance his mission despite all adversities.
