In a bombshell interview that has rattled Tesla investors and EV market watchers alike, long-time Tesla bull Ross Gerber has publicly voiced concerns that Elon Musk has essentially “ghosted” the electric vehicle manufacturer that built his fortune. The CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management didn’t mince words when speaking to Bloomberg Technology about what he sees as a troubling leadership vacuum at the company.
Are you ready for the hard truth about the company’s recent struggles? According to Gerber, who has historically been one of Tesla’s most vocal supporters, the answer is surprisingly simple: Elon Musk’s attention has wandered too far from the company that made him the world’s richest man.
“It’s clear that he just doesn’t care,” Gerber stated bluntly during the interview. “His next move is X AI… So if you have any confusion that he’s coming back to the company, he’s not.”
The Numbers Tell a Troubling Story
The company’s performance metrics paint a concerning picture that gives weight to Gerber’s criticism:
The company’s Concerning Performance Indicators (2025)
| Metric | Performance | Market Context |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Price | -33% year-to-date | While major indices have gained |
| EV Sales | -8.6% (Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024) | Overall EV market grew 11.4% |
| Market Share | Declining | Still leads US EV market, but gap narrowing |
| Investor Confidence | Weakening | Long-time bulls raising concerns |
| Product Pipeline | Delays in Robotaxi, Cybercab | Original timeline significantly extended |
| CEO Time Allocation | Divided among multiple companies | X, SpaceX, Neuralink, X AI demanding attention |
The stark contrast between the company’s declining sales (-8.6% year-over-year in Q1 2025) and the broader EV market’s growth (+11.4% during the same period) underscores Gerber’s concern that leadership issues—rather than product or market factors—are driving Tesla’s underperformance.
Elon Musk’s Expanding Universe of Interests
While Elon Musk has always been known for juggling multiple ventures, the sheer scope of his current commitments has reached unprecedented levels:
- X (formerly Twitter) – Requiring significant hands-on involvement since acquisition
- SpaceX – Accelerating Starship development and expanding Starlink
- Neuralink – Beginning human trials of brain implant technology
- The Boring Company – Continuing tunnel projects in multiple cities
- X AI – Musk’s newest venture focused on artificial intelligence
- Political activism – Increasing involvement in political discourse and policy matters
“When you look at where his time is being spent, the company’s appears to have fallen significantly down the priority list,” noted a market analyst tracking tech leadership. “The company that built his fortune seems to be operating largely without his direct input.”
Retail Investors Push Back
Gerber’s criticism hasn’t gone unchallenged. The interview sparked backlash from the company’s notoriously loyal retail investor base, prompting Gerber to defend his position.
“I understand why retail investors at the company are frustrated with me for voicing my views,” Gerber acknowledged, before doubling down on his assessment that the company is “getting attacked because of Elon’s behavior.”
Still Bullish Despite Concerns
Interestingly, despite his harsh criticism of Elon Musk’s leadership approach, Gerber revealed that his firm continues to maintain significant company holdings for clients.
“We still own Tesla because I do think something fixes itself at some point, and they have the best products,” Gerber explained, suggesting that the fundamental strengths of the company’s technology and market position might ultimately transcend leadership challenges.
This dual position—criticizing management while maintaining investment—reflects the complex reality many Tesla investors face in 2025. They believe in the company’s technological edge and market potential, but increasingly question whether leadership distractions are preventing Tesla from reaching its full potential.
What This Means for the company’s Future
The Gerber interview raises profound questions about the company’s trajectory in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle landscape. Can the company maintain its innovation edge and market leadership without Elon Musk’s focused attention? Or has the company’s organizational strength evolved to the point where it can thrive even as its founder’s attention is divided among multiple ventures?
The next few quarters will be critical in answering these questions, as investors watch closely for signs that the company can reverse its sales decline and stock price slide—with or without Elon Musk’s undivided attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Ross Gerber and why do his comments about the company matter?
A: Ross Gerber is the CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management and a long-time Tesla investor and supporter. His comments carry weight because he has historically been bullish on the company, making his criticism of Musk’s leadership approach particularly noteworthy.
Q: How much has Tesla’s stock price declined in 2025?
A: The company’s stock has fallen approximately 33% year-to-date in 2025, significantly underperforming major market indices during this period.
Q: Is Tesla still the market leader in electric vehicles?
A: Yes, the company still maintains its position as the US EV market leader. However, its sales declined 8.6% year-over-year in Q1 2025 while the overall EV market grew by 11.4%, suggesting its dominance is being challenged.
Q: What is X AI and why does Gerber mention it specifically?
A: X AI is Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture. Gerber specifically mentioned it as Elon Musk’s “next move,” suggesting he believes Musk is prioritizing this new company over Tesla.
Q: Does Gerber still invest in the company despite his criticism?
A: Yes, Gerber confirmed that his firm continues to hold Tesla stock for clients despite his concerns about Elon Musk’s leadership focus, citing his belief in the quality of the company’s products and that “something fixes itself at some point.”
Q: How has the retail investor community responded to Gerber’s criticism?
A: According to Gerber himself, the company’s retail investors have pushed back against his criticism, prompting him to defend his views while acknowledging their frustration.
As Tesla navigates this challenging period, both investors and EV enthusiasts are left wondering: Can the company that revolutionized the automotive industry continue its disruption without the full attention of its visionary founder? The answer to that question may define not just Tesla’s future, but also shape Elon Musk’s complex legacy in the years to come.
