In a shocking and controversial move, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and the world’s richest man, declared on March 27, 2025, that he will no longer sell Tesla vehicles to the LGBT community, stating, “I don’t need money from people who don’t identify with their gender.” The statement, made during a late-night X Spaces session with over 2 million listeners, has sparked immediate backlash, igniting a firestorm of criticism across social media and drawing sharp responses from activists, celebrities, and even NFL stars. Musk’s comments, which come amid his growing political influence, threaten to further damage Tesla’s brand as the company faces boycotts and plummeting European sales.
Musk’s declaration followed a heated exchange with a user who asked about Tesla’s inclusivity policies. “I’m done with the woke agenda,” Musk snapped. “If you don’t identify with the gender you were born as, I don’t want your business—simple as that.” The remarks, a stark departure from Tesla’s previously progressive image, align with Musk’s recent conservative pivot, including his role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his $1 million voter giveaways. Tesla, valued at $1.2 trillion, has already seen a 45% sales drop in Europe in January 2025 due to Musk’s political stances, and this latest move could exacerbate the decline.
The backlash was swift. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like GLAAD condemned Musk, with CEO Sarah Kate Ellis calling the statement “a vile attack on a marginalized community.” Celebrities like Megan Rapinoe, who recently threatened to leave the U.S. over Musk-related losses, tweeted, “Elon’s a disgrace—boycott Tesla now.” NFL stars weighed in, too. Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, who quit X over Swift-related toxicity, posted on Instagram, “Musk just lost me as a customer—disgusting.” Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, fresh off signing Aaron Rodgers, added, “No respect for this.”
Social media erupted with hashtags like #BoycottTesla trending worldwide. “Musk’s digging his own grave—LGBTQ+ dollars matter!” one user posted, while another quipped, “Guess I’m buying a Rivian!” Tesla’s stock dipped 8% in pre-market trading, reflecting investor fears. Musk doubled down on X, writing, “I’ll build for people who share my values—deal with it.” As Tesla faces potential lawsuits and a PR nightmare, Musk’s declaration has drawn a line in the sand—will his gamble alienate a massive customer base, or rally his base? The fallout is just beginning.
