Tesla, once seen as a movement for sustainability and innovation, is now facing political and social backlash with its vehicles and facilities becoming targets of vandalism.
The recent wave of vandalism has affected everyday Tesla owners, who believed in the brand's vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future, but are now facing damage to their personal vehicles.
Elon Musk's political affiliations and engagement with the U.S. government have sparked controversy, but damaging Tesla infrastructure and vehicles does not change his policies and undermines the company's mission.
The concern now is whether Tesla can separate its business from its CEO's political identity and protect its long-term success and the legacy built by its supporters.