Amid growing concerns over Tesla’s future, The Wall Street Journal reported that the company’s board had begun exploring potential successors for CEO Elon Musk. The article, citing unnamed sources, claimed that Tesla had reached out to executive search firms about a month ago to identify possible replacements for Musk.

However, Tesla’s Chair Robyn Denholm quickly dismissed the report, calling it “absolutely false” and reassuring the public that the board remains “highly confident” in Musk’s leadership. Musk also took to social media to denounce the report, calling it “deliberately false.”

This controversy comes at a time when Tesla faces increasing challenges. Musk recently announced plans to scale back his involvement with the Trump administration, where he leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His role in the government has drawn criticism, especially as Tesla struggles with declining sales and growing competition in the electric vehicle market.

Adding to the pressure, Musk’s political leanings, particularly his growing alignment with far-right movements in Europe, have sparked protests and vandalism targeting Tesla showrooms and charging stations in both the U.S. and Europe. This shift in political affiliations has raised concerns among investors and customers about the potential impact on Tesla’s public image.

Despite these issues, both Musk and the Tesla board have voiced their full support for his leadership, underscoring their commitment to the company’s ambitious growth plans. With Tesla’s future hanging in the balance, all eyes will remain on Musk’s ability to steer the company through these turbulent times and maintain its leadership in the electric vehicle industry.