Tesla backer says Musk must reduce Trump work, as 46,000 Cybertrucks recalled

Dan Ives warns company is in ‘brand tornado crisis moment’ as protests are planned at car showrooms

US president Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his son X Æ A-Xii speak to reporters by a Tesla vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Washington. Picture: Pool via AP

Tesla and Elon Musk are embroiled in a “brand tornado crisis moment” and the electric carmaker’s chief executive needs to cut back on his work for Donald Trump to stem the damage, one of the company’s biggest supporters has said.

The warning came as Tesla announced a recall of 46,000 Cybertrucks in the US on Thursday to fix an exterior panel that could detach while driving.