In a stunning move that has reignited controversy around Tesla’s future, prominent investor Ross Gerber has publicly urged Elon Musk to step down as CEO following what he described as a devastating $800 billion loss in Tesla’s market value. The remarks were made during a live interview on Sky’s Business Live, where Gerber—once a vocal Musk supporter—voiced deep concerns over Musk’s focus and the overall direction of the company.
Gerber, the president and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, has long been considered one of Tesla’s staunchest backers. His comments represent a significant shift in tone from someone who had consistently defended Musk’s leadership style. But amid Tesla’s recent market turbulence, Gerber now believes the time has come for Musk to hand over the reins to someone more focused on the company’s core mission.
“Elon is a genius,” Gerber stated. “He’s changed the world with Tesla. But right now, he’s stretched too thin. Tesla deserves a leader who is laser-focused on guiding the company forward, not juggling half a dozen ventures at once.”
Over the past year, Tesla’s stock has seen an alarming decline, shedding hundreds of billions in value and leaving investors anxious. The decline has been attributed to a host of challenges—from rising competition in the electric vehicle (EV) space to operational inefficiencies and ongoing supply chain issues. But Gerber, like other critics, points squarely at Musk’s attention being divided among his many roles.
Musk’s ever-growing list of responsibilities includes his leadership at SpaceX, his ownership of the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), and his involvement with artificial intelligence projects and Neuralink. While Musk’s ability to manage multiple high-stakes companies has often been lauded, some investors are beginning to see it as a liability for Tesla’s day-to-day business.
“Elon needs to decide what he wants Tesla to be,” Gerber said. “Because right now, investors feel abandoned.”
The call for a change in leadership has divided Tesla’s loyal base. While some agree with Gerber and believe that new executive leadership could stabilize operations and regain investor trust, others remain fiercely loyal to Musk. They argue that Musk’s bold vision is the reason Tesla exists in its current form, and that only he can steer the company into its next era of innovation.
“Elon Musk built this brand,” said one long-time shareholder. “He’s not perfect, but no one else has the vision or courage to do what he’s done. I’d rather stick with Musk through a rough patch than roll the dice with someone new.”
Still, the concerns aren’t unfounded. Tesla faces mounting competition from legacy automakers and new startups entering the EV market. Brands like Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and BYD have made substantial inroads, offering electric vehicles at competitive prices and with compelling features. Moreover, recent reports point to regulatory challenges and workforce reductions, adding pressure on Tesla’s future prospects.
The plunge in Tesla’s stock value has only intensified scrutiny. Analysts say investors have become increasingly jittery, with some questioning whether Musk’s priorities still lie with Tesla. A significant chunk of criticism has focused on Musk’s ownership of X and the distraction that platform has posed since he took control. His frequent, often controversial, posts have continued to draw headlines—sometimes more so than Tesla’s actual innovations.
In the midst of the growing debate, Musk has not issued any formal response to Gerber’s remarks. However, his activity on social media indicates he remains committed to Tesla’s roadmap. In recent days, Musk has posted updates on new vehicle models, battery advancements, and Tesla’s full self-driving software—all signs, according to his supporters, that he remains fully invested in the company’s success.
Despite that, market analysts remain split. Some believe Gerber’s suggestion carries merit, arguing that a more focused executive team could bring renewed discipline and drive to Tesla. Others argue that removing Musk could trigger deeper uncertainty, potentially rattling the company’s morale and investor base.
“Elon Musk is synonymous with Tesla,” said a market strategist from Morgan & Co. “Separating the two would be like removing Steve Jobs from Apple mid-revolution. There’s enormous risk either way.”
This isn’t the first time Musk has faced pushback. Over the years, he has frequently found himself at odds with regulators, investors, and even board members. His tweets have occasionally tanked stock prices or prompted lawsuits. In 2018, Musk reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission after tweeting he had secured funding to take Tesla private. As part of the agreement, he stepped down as chairman of the board, though he retained his CEO title.
Through all of it, Musk has remained at the center of Tesla’s story. But this latest wave of criticism, particularly from someone as visible as Gerber, may represent a turning point. If other institutional investors begin to echo Gerber’s sentiments, it could lead to increased pressure on the board to reevaluate Musk’s role.
Tesla’s future trajectory could hinge on what happens next. Will Musk step aside voluntarily, perhaps appointing a trusted lieutenant to take the helm while remaining involved in strategic decisions? Or will he dig in and attempt to silence critics with continued innovation and results?
For now, Gerber’s comments have added fuel to an already smoldering fire. Investors, analysts, and fans alike are watching closely to see whether Musk will respond—and how Tesla’s leadership structure might evolve in the months ahead.
Regardless of what comes next, one thing is clear: Tesla is at a crossroads. As the EV landscape grows more competitive and investor confidence wavers, the question of who should lead Tesla into its next chapter remains one of the most pressing—and polarizing—issues in the business world today.
