Elon Musk Says He’s Running His Companies ‘With Great Difficulty’ As Tesla Shares Plummet

Forbes - Mar 11th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Elon Musk revealed in a Fox Business interview that he is managing his various businesses 'with great difficulty' while also taking on a significant role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, who remains the world's wealthiest individual, saw his net worth drop by $22.8 billion as Tesla shares hit a five-month low, sparking concerns among investors. Despite the challenges, he expressed commitment to improving government efficiency and reducing waste, yet provided no details on how he balances his responsibilities as CEO of companies like SpaceX, xAI, and Tesla, which experienced a notable stock decline.

The interview underscores ongoing investor anxiety regarding Musk's divided focus, particularly as he continues to spearhead political efforts while overseeing major corporations. Brad Lander, New York City’s comptroller, voiced concerns over Musk’s divided attention, citing the need for a full-time CEO at Tesla to ensure its leadership in the electric vehicle sector. Musk's involvement in the Trump administration and his acquisition of Twitter in 2022 have previously prompted investor unease, reflected in Tesla’s fluctuating stock value. The situation highlights the broader implications of Musk's multifaceted roles on his business empire and investor confidence.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story provides an interesting look at Elon Musk's current challenges in managing his businesses and political endeavors. It is timely and addresses topics of public interest, such as Tesla's stock performance and Musk's financial status. However, the article's accuracy is somewhat compromised by unclear claims and a lack of detailed verification. The balance of perspectives is limited, focusing primarily on Musk's difficulties without exploring broader viewpoints. While the sources used are credible, the story would benefit from a greater variety of authoritative voices to enhance its depth. Overall, the article is engaging and readable but could improve in transparency and clarity, particularly in explaining less familiar terms and roles.

RATING DETAILS

5
Accuracy

The story contains several factual claims that require verification. For instance, it mentions Elon Musk's involvement in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, which is not a widely recognized or verified entity. The claim that Tesla shares fell to a five-month low needs confirmation through stock market data. Additionally, the article states that Musk's net worth dropped significantly, which should be corroborated with financial data. While some claims, like Musk's statement about running his businesses 'with great difficulty,' can be verified through the referenced Fox Business interview, others lack sufficient evidence or clarity, reducing the overall accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents perspectives related to Musk's business challenges and political involvement. It includes viewpoints from Musk himself and a critical perspective from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. However, the story does not explore the views of other stakeholders, such as Tesla employees, other investors, or political analysts, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. The focus on Musk's difficulties suggests a slight imbalance, as it does not equally address potential positive aspects or counterarguments.

6
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it accessible to readers. However, some claims, like Musk's involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency, are vague and could confuse readers due to a lack of context or explanation. The story could benefit from clearer definitions and elaborations on less commonly known entities or roles mentioned.

7
Source quality

The article references reputable sources like Fox Business and The New York Times, which enhances its credibility. However, it lacks a diversity of sources, relying heavily on Musk's statements and a few external comments. The story would benefit from additional authoritative sources or expert opinions to provide a more rounded perspective. The existing sources are credible, but the limited variety affects the depth of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context for Musk's statements and business activities but lacks transparency in explaining the basis for certain claims, such as his role in the Trump administration. It does not disclose the methodology for calculating Musk's net worth or the specifics of the alleged government department he is involved with. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the reader's understanding and trust in the article's content.

Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6DiMIJIvYw
  2. https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/elon-musk-says-x-facing-massive-cyberattack
  3. https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6369857710112
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6369862854112