As of March 16, 2025, here are the latest developments concerning Elon Musk:
Political Involvement and Public Backlash
Association with President Trump and DOGE: Elon Musk's prominent role in President Donald Trump's reelection campaign and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have sparked widespread protests. Critics argue that Musk's political stance and policies have alienated Tesla's traditionally progressive customer base, leading to showroom demonstrations across the U.S. and Europe.
Impact on Tesla's Performance: Tesla has experienced a significant decline in its stock value, with shares halving in recent months. Sales in key markets such as Europe and China have also dropped, attributed to both increased competition and the negative perception stemming from Musk's political affiliations.
Legal Disputes
Lawsuit Against OpenAI: Elon Musk has sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging a deviation from the company's original mission by transitioning to a for-profit model. Both parties have agreed to expedite the trial, with proceedings expected to commence in December 2025.
Public Relations
Viral Moment with President Trump: A recent video featuring President Trump walking alongside Musk's 4-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, towards Marine Force One has garnered significant attention on social media. Musk responded to the footage, describing it as a "happy picture."
Space Exploration
Mars Mission Announcement: Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX plans to send its Starship spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2026, with the humanoid robot Optimus onboard. If successful, this mission could pave the way for human exploration of the red planet as early as 2029.