Elon Musk Urges Tesla Employees to Hold Stock, Calls Out Vandals

Key Highlights:

• Tesla CEO Elon Musk encouraged employees to hold onto their stock despite its sharp decline this year.

• Musk reaffirmed Tesla’s ambitions in the robotaxi and humanoid robotics sectors.

• He condemned recent vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms, urging perpetrators to “stop being psycho.”

Musk Reassures Employees Amid Stock Decline

During an all-hands meeting on Thursday evening, Tesla CEO Elon Musk sought to bolster employee confidence amid the company’s ongoing stock struggles. Tesla shares have dropped over 40% in 2025, but Musk insisted that employees should hold onto their stock, emphasizing Tesla’s long-term vision.

“It’s difficult for most people to grasp a future where our autonomous fleet is five to ten times more useful,” Musk said. “But that future will come.”

Following Musk’s remarks, Tesla stock closed 5% higher on Friday at $248.71.

Challenges Amid Economic Uncertainty

Tesla’s declining sales in the U.S., Europe, and China have been exacerbated by tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, affecting key supply chains. Additionally, more Tesla owners are trading in their EVs, according to national car shopping site Edmunds.

Musk Calls Out Vandalism and Criticism

Musk also addressed a growing wave of protests and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles, showrooms, and charging stations in the U.S. and Europe. He criticized those responsible, stating:

“I understand if you don’t want to buy our product, but you don’t have to burn it down. That’s a bit unreasonable. This is psycho—stop being psycho!”

Tesla employees responded with laughter.

Tesla’s Future: Robotaxis and Humanoid Robots

Musk continued to hype Tesla’s future technology, emphasizing advancements in autonomous driving and robotics. He highlighted Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab, a fully autonomous two-seater EV with no steering wheel or brakes, which will be produced in Austin, Texas.

Additionally, Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus is now in early production at the Fremont, California factory, with plans to build 5,000 units this year. Musk compared it to Star Wars droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, promising Tesla employees will be the first to own one.

Fierce Competition in AI and Robotics

Tesla faces stiff competition in both self-driving and humanoid robotics:

• Waymo (Alphabet) is expanding its driverless ride-hailing service in the U.S.

• Chinese EV makers are integrating Tesla-like AI features into their vehicles.

• Boston Dynamics and Apptronik are advancing humanoid robot technology.

Despite these challenges, Musk remains optimistic, assuring employees that Tesla will lead the future of AI-driven transportation and robotics.