When Elon Musk Goes Nuclear—from Corporate to Political Earthquake

Just this week, Elon Musk executed a series of moves so bombastic, observers are scrambling to keep up. From stepping away from Trump’s Doge-themed bureaucracy to revving up protests and landmark lawsuits, Musk’s whirlwind week shattered norms—and forced publics and markets to ask:What the f** did Elon just do?!*

 Musk Quits as Special Government Employee—Silently Exits Trump Administration

On May 29, 2025, Musk announced his departure from the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he served as a special government employee” tasked with slashing federal budgets and modernizing government tech. Musk posted on X:

As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end… thank you President Trump for the opportunity…”

His exit came amid escalating tensions: sources say he had no final conversation with Trump, and the resignation came through senior staff channels. Tesla stock rose afterward, as investors hoped he’d refocus on car production and autonomous vehicle rollouts.

 His Programs Blamed—and Cut: The Fallout from “Five Things”

One of Musk’s most notorious initiatives at DOGE was the “Five Things” email program, which required federal employees to submit weekly accomplishments—or face termination. The abrupt rollout triggered morale blowback and even lawsuits from workers who called it draconian and purposeless. By May, the administration scrapped the program entirely.

Reddit reactions speak volumes:

Treating adults like school children … this is tell daddy what you did last week … that’s what this literally is.”

TeslaTakedown: Grassroots Boycott Gains Momentum

In parallel with Musk’s political shake-ups, the Tesla Takedown protest movement has continued building global friction. Founded in February 2025, the campaign urges car owners and activists to divest from Tesla—citing Musk’s political influence, climate denial, and sweeping layoffs through DOGE. City protests, divestment pledges, and shareholder demands are mounting

In the UK, the action group Everyone Hates Elon even hosted a live “rage room” smashing a Tesla in South London as symbolic protest: the wrecked car was later auctioned off for charitable donations.

Shareholders Tear into Musk Over Robotaxi Rollout

This week saw two major legal blows:

A Florida jury awarded $243 million in punitive and compensatory damages against Tesla, holding the company partially responsible for a deadly 2019 Autopilot crash. The verdict heightens concerns over how Tesla markets self-driving capability.

Separately, aclass-action lawsuit filed in Texas accuses Musk and Tesla of securities fraud related to the Robotaxi project. Investors claim Tesla misled them on safety — a claim bolstered by public tests in Austin where cars reportedly sped unsafely, braked erratically, and veered into wrong lanes.

Legal analysts warn these cases could signal a shifting era of corporate accountability for autonomy claims.

Tesla Sweetens Musk’s Compensation Amid Controversy

In the eye of stormed waters, Tesla’s board awarded Musk a $29 billion share package, designed to increase his stake from about 13% to 15%. The award resurrects terms of a previously voided $56 billion deal—pending appeal. Despite shareholder concerns over lawsuits and PR damage, the board emphasized this was a strategic move to retain Musk amid political chaos.

Layered Controversy: Musk, Digital Politics & International Blowback

Elon’s controversial actions extend beyond the U.S.:

He hostedGerman far-right leader AfD’s Alice Weidel for an X Space event promoting disinformation-laden commentary about Adolf Hitler—a move that triggered resignations at Die Welt and scrutiny from European regulators.

In the UK, watchdog Jonathan Hall described Musk’s impact on political debate—via tweets about grooming scandals, extremist content, and conspiracy theories—as a “canary in the coal mine” demonstrating vulnerability to foreign influence.

 Expert & Public Reactions

Legal experts say holding Musk accountable in court may set precedent for corporate liability tied to autonomous tech. Investor advisors warn the lawsuits and verdicts risk damaging long-term stock performance. Meanwhile, public sentiment imploded—polls show rising distrust in Musk, especially among younger Americans.

Reddit users point to a deeper disillusionment:

We’re talking about Starlink at the White House and firing federal workers like chores checklist. This isn’t leadership—it’s chaos.

 What Comes Next: Predictions & Potential Outcomes

Appeals to Autopilot verdict: Tesla may argue pre-trial limits keep liabilities lower—but the $243M ruling stands until overturned.

Monkeying Autonomy Claims: Ongoing investor lawsuits could force regulatory oversight from NHTSA and SEC.

Board Oversight Under Microscope: Awarding a massive pay package in crisis may spur shareholder revolts or SEC inquiries.

Public Relations Crisis Continuation: Protests and anti-Musk activism show no signs of slowing, creating sustained brand damage.

Political Isolation: With rival factions within the GOP and EU pushing back, Elon’s influence may be waning—even among former allies.

Conclusion: Elon 2025—Maverick or Maniac?

In a matter of days, Elon Musk has torn down old alliances, triggered legal battlegrounds, and cost federal morale—while securing billions in executive compensation. Whether he’s playing chess or setting the board on fire, one thing’s for sure:in Elon’s orbit, chaos is the new normal.