Fact Check: Did top Tesla investor ask Elon to step down ?

Fact Check: Did top Tesla investor ask Elon to step down?

What We Know

On March 19, 2025, Ross Gerber, a significant investor in Tesla and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, publicly stated that Elon Musk should step down as CEO of Tesla unless he relinquishes his government role. Gerber expressed concerns about Musk's divided attention between his responsibilities at Tesla and his new position in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Sky News. He emphasized that Tesla's business had been "neglected for too long" and that the company was "absolutely" in crisis, leading him to sell off a substantial number of his shares Yahoo.

Gerber's comments were made during an interview with Sky News, where he articulated that Musk's focus had shifted too much towards his government duties, resulting in negative repercussions for Tesla's reputation and sales Snopes. He stated, "It's time for somebody to run Tesla," indicating that either Musk should return to focus solely on Tesla or appoint a suitable replacement Fortune.

Analysis

The claim that a top Tesla investor asked Elon Musk to step down is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Gerber's status as a significant investor is confirmed, although he does not hold the largest number of shares in the company. His holdings were valued at approximately $106 million at the end of 2024, which positions him as a major stakeholder but not the largest Yahoo.

Gerber's statements reflect a growing concern among investors regarding Musk's leadership amid Tesla's declining market performance and increasing competition. His call for Musk to step down aligns with broader investor worries about the company's direction and Musk's ability to manage multiple high-profile roles effectively Sky News.

The sources reporting on this claim, including Sky News and Yahoo, are reputable news outlets, providing further credibility to Gerber's assertions. However, it is essential to note that while Gerber's comments are significant, they represent the opinion of one investor and do not necessarily reflect a consensus among all Tesla stakeholders.

Conclusion

The claim that a top Tesla investor, Ross Gerber, asked Elon Musk to step down as CEO is True. Gerber's public statements during a Sky News interview clearly indicate his belief that Musk's leadership is compromised due to his divided attention between Tesla and his government role. This situation has raised concerns about Tesla's performance and reputation, leading Gerber to advocate for a change in leadership.

Fact Check: Did top Tesla investor ask Elon to step down ?