Tesla's stock is showing signs of recovery following a significant selloff triggered by a public dispute between CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. The stock had plunged considerably after reports surfaced of strained relations between Musk and Trump, raising concerns among investors about potential political and regulatory challenges for the electric vehicle (EV) giant.
Several factors contributed to the initial downturn in Tesla's stock price. The primary catalyst was the escalating tension between Musk and Trump, which stemmed from Musk's criticism of the President's proposed budget cuts targeting clean energy initiatives. This public disagreement sparked worries about the future of government contracts and subsidies that are crucial to Tesla's operations and expansion plans. The feud also ignited after Musk insinuated the president was tied to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, claiming Trump was "in the Epstein files". Trump was also angered by Musk's claim that Trump couldn't have won without his support, including over a quarter-billion dollars in political contributions.
However, the stock has since rebounded, driven by a combination of factors. Firstly, there are indications that the tensions between Musk and Trump have cooled down, with aides from both sides reportedly engaging in talks to maintain a fragile peace. This easing of political headwinds has helped to restore some investor confidence in Tesla.
Secondly, investors are increasingly focusing on Tesla's upcoming robotaxi launch, which is expected to take place around mid-June. This highly anticipated event is viewed as a major catalyst for Tesla's future growth, as it represents a significant step towards the company's vision of autonomous transportation. The potential of the robotaxi service has generated excitement among investors, who are eager to see Tesla's technological advancements come to fruition.
Technically, after falling below key support levels, Tesla stock rebounded sharply from oversold territory. Tesla shares closed higher recently for the fifth straight session as the EV maker recovers some of the ground lost during a two-month selloff. This technical bounce, combined with positive news regarding the robotaxi launch and easing political tensions, has contributed to the stock's recovery.
Despite the recent rebound, the future of the relationship between Trump and Musk remains uncertain. The two influential figures have a complex history, marked by both cooperation and conflict. While they initially enjoyed a close alliance, particularly during the early days of Trump's presidency, their relationship has become increasingly strained over time.
Several issues have contributed to the growing divide between Trump and Musk. These include disagreements over policy matters, such as government spending and clean energy initiatives, as well as personal clashes and public disputes. The feud came as the president and Republican leaders tried to shoulder through a major package of domestic policy legislation, which could be the biggest legislative achievement of Trump's second term, with Musk criticizing the bill.
The implications of the ongoing tensions between Trump and Musk extend beyond the realm of politics and business. Their relationship has become a subject of intense media scrutiny, with many observers speculating about the potential consequences for both men and their respective enterprises. It remains to be seen whether Trump and Musk can mend their fractured relationship, or whether their feud will continue to escalate. A White House official was quoted as saying, "The future of their relationship is totally uncertain.”