🌟 NEWS MAKER — MAY 1, 2025

Boardroom Rumblings: Tesla’s Search Beyond Musk

🪷 THEME: Corporate Governance, Executive Distraction, Politics & Business
🏛️ CATEGORY: Business Leadership, U.S. Political Influence, Global Technology Affairs

📜 INTRO WHISPER
When the face of a company turns toward power, the board looks for a new face. At the intersection of politics, protest, and profit, Tesla’s boardroom begins to whisper — is it time to unplug from Elon?

🔍 HIGHLIGHTS

• CEO Succession Buzz:
  The Tesla board has reportedly contacted executive search firms to explore replacing Elon Musk, citing his growing focus on U.S. politics since President Donald Trump’s return to office.
• White House Overdrive:
  Musk has been spending considerable time in Washington, where he leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-appointed position tasked with slashing federal jobs and budgets.
• Market Fallout:
  Tesla stock has plummeted amid investor concerns over Musk’s divided focus. Sales of the EV lineup have dropped, especially in the U.S. and Europe, where his far-right political stance has sparked protests and vandalism at Tesla facilities.
• Board’s Intervention:
  According to WSJ, Musk was reportedly asked by Tesla board members to publicly reaffirm his commitment to Tesla, though it’s unclear whether he knew of the succession plan unfolding behind closed doors.
• Political Entanglement:
  His actions — once praised as bold disruption — are now being questioned as the line between innovation and ideology begins to blur.

🧭 GS PAPER MAP

• GS II: Governance – Role of Civil Services and Executives; Ethics in Public Life
• GS III: Science & Tech – Challenges in Technology Leadership & Innovation
• GS IV: Ethics – Conflict of Interest, Professional Responsibility, Public vs Private Roles

🪔 A THOUGHT SPARK — by IAS Monk

Even the brightest minds can cast long shadows when they chase too many suns. In trying to power nations, one must not forget the engines they built — and the silent workers who believed in the dream.