Tesla

Nvidia briefly surpassed Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company, fueled by a surge in its stock price driven by strong AI demand and a Loop Capital price target increase. Tesla’s AI efforts, including its robotaxi project and Optimus humanoid robot, contributed to its stock gains. While promising, analysts urge caution regarding Tesla’s long-term AI ventures, particularly Optimus, due to uncertainties surrounding its production and market competition.

Xiaomi, under Lei Jun, accepted Tesla’s challenge to compare its YU7 with the refreshed Model Y. Acknowledging the Model Y’s market dominance, Lei Jun embraced the competition, emphasizing Xiaomi’s competitive spirit. This comes after Tesla’s recent Model Y upgrades, including aesthetic and comfort enhancements.

Donald Trump confirmed a dispute with Elon Musk, stemming from Musk’s opposition to Trump’s proposed tax cuts and EV subsidy reductions. While Trump hinted at potential actions against Tesla (but supporting Starlink), both exchanged personal attacks before Trump expressed well wishes. Musk responded with a red heart on X, potentially signaling a desire to de-escalate tensions, suggesting a shift from recent public disagreements.

Following Tesla’s stock plunge and CEO Elon Musk’s challenges, Optimus project leader Milan Kovac unexpectedly departed, citing personal reasons. Kovac, a key figure in Tesla’s Autopilot and Optimus development, played a pivotal role for a decade. His successor, Ashok Elluswamy, is now VP of AI Software. This departure adds to Tesla’s difficulties amidst declining revenue, profit and anticipated drop in EV deliveries, raising concerns about the future of Optimus and Musk’s ambitious goals.

Tesla faces mounting challenges as Milan Kovac, head of the Optimus robot project, resigns. This departure of a key figure, who spearheaded the development of Tesla’s humanoid robot, comes amid a feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump and a $150 billion stock price drop. Kovac, a ten-year veteran, cited family reasons for his departure, but the timing raises concerns. The move adds further uncertainty to Tesla’s AI and robotics future.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s relationship has soured, with Trump saying he isn’t speaking to Musk. Their public disagreements have sparked speculation about repercussions, and Trump is reportedly considering selling his Tesla. While House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes for reconciliation, Trump’s former advisor Peter Navarro downplayed the conflict, and the feud casts a shadow on the future of Tesla and SpaceX.

Elon Musk’s strained relationship with Donald Trump has negatively impacted Tesla, resulting in a $150 billion drop in market capitalization. Despite this, Musk remains the world’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth of approximately $388 billion, far exceeding Mark Zuckerberg’s. Trump’s net worth is $5.4 billion. The cause of the conflict is unclear, but Musk has been critical of Trump.

Elon Musk’s criticism of Republican tax and spending plans has reportedly strained his relationship with Donald Trump. Disagreement over proposed legislation impacting Tesla and the electric vehicle industry, including fees for EV owners and elimination of tax credits, has fueled the tension. Musk, expressing concerns about “debt slavery,” has actively campaigned against the proposals, potentially damaging a previous close collaboration with Trump, who is reportedly displeased with the shift.

Elon Musk has ended his brief stint as a White House advisor, leaving amidst controversy. His “Department of Government Efficiency” initiative aimed at budget cuts yielded modest results, sparking criticism and potential conflicts of interest. Tesla faced sales declines and market share losses, compounded by the government’s backlash. Investors are demanding Musk dedicate more time to Tesla as the company and his other ventures face critical challenges.

Elon Musk is stepping down as a Special Government Employee, citing a desire to focus on his businesses after his term ended. He expressed satisfaction with efforts to streamline government spending, despite facing bureaucratic challenges. Analysts suggest his departure is a graceful exit, and shareholders of Tesla will welcome his return. His work uncovered significant discrepancies, including irregularities in the Social Security system, exposing potential fraud and inefficiencies.