Tesla Fires Manager Over Social Media Criticism of Elon Musk

Tesla Employee Fired After Criticism of Elon Musk’s Nazi References

In a recent development at Tesla, a manager was terminated for expressing his disapproval of a social media post made by Elon Musk that referenced notorious Nazi leaders. This incident highlights growing tensions within the company regarding Musk’s controversial remarks and the wider implications of dissent in his business enterprises.

Jared Ottmann, an engineer and manager responsible for working with Tesla’s battery suppliers, confirmed his dismissal last month after he publicly criticized Musk’s post on X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s post, which came on January 23, used wordplay involving the names of high-ranking Nazis, such as Heinrich Himmler and Hermann Göring. Musk’s post included the phrases “Stop Göring your enemies” and “Bet you did Nazi that coming,” which he punctuated with a laughing-while-crying emoji.

Ottmann expressed his concerns about the post on LinkedIn, stating that he felt offended by Musk’s attempt to make light of a subject that is historically associated with genocide and immense suffering. He said, “It is unacceptable to joke about Nazis,” emphasizing that the gravity of such figures should not be trivialized for humor.

In the wake of this controversy, Ottmann disclosed that he had raised his concerns regarding Musk’s objectionable behavior multiple times internally, addressing various departments within Tesla, including management, HR, and legal compliance. Despite receiving personal support from colleagues, he felt that the company as a whole remained silent on such troubling issues.

Tesla did not provide comments when reached for clarification on the matter. The firing of Ottmann is indicative of a larger pattern within Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and X, where dissent has been met with severe repercussions. In late 2022, SpaceX fired nine employees who signed a letter urging the company to distance itself from Musk’s contentious remarks, including those mocking sexual harassment allegations against him. Some of those employees later filed unfair labor practice complaints with the National Labor Relations Board.

Ottmann’s situation encapsulates the turmoil that Musk’s political stance has engendered within his enterprises. His public support for far-right political figures, particularly in Germany, where he has backed a party known for using Nazi rhetoric, has created a divide among employees and the public alike. Additionally, Musk’s connections to the Trump administration have further polarized opinions about him.

The climate of dissent at Tesla is not limited to Ottmann’s firing. Recent employee meetings at the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto revealed rising discontent among staff regarding Musk’s political activities. One manager even voiced his discouragement regarding Musk’s behavior during these discussions, underscoring a growing unease among employees.

Following his termination, Ottmann confirmed the end of his employment but opted not to comment further, directing inquiries to his attorney, who did not respond to requests for additional information.

Another significant incident occurred this fall when a SpaceX employee was fired after expressing on an internal forum that it was inappropriate for Musk to wear company merchandise while campaigning for Trump. This employee suggested that such actions blurred the lines of professional conduct. Although the individual was initially barred from accessing internal systems following this post, SpaceX later reinstated the employee, concluding there had been no violation of company policies. Nevertheless, the employee resigned weeks after the incident, highlighting further discontent within the company.

Musk’s history of firing employees who openly criticize him extends to X as well, where several workers faced termination after expressing their criticisms through social media. This behavior is in stark contrast to Musk’s professed commitment to free speech; he has claimed to financially support lawsuits for workers dismissed over their social media activity, showcasing a disconnect between his ideals and actions.

Moreover, investors in Tesla are growing increasingly concerned about Musk’s political maneuvers and how they may alienate customers, especially as the company experiences a noted decline in sales. Tesla shares have plummeted by approximately 40 percent since reaching a high in mid-December, indicating that stakeholders are worried about Musk’s shifting focus away from the company’s core business pursuits.

As tensions rise and employee dissent becomes more pronounced, the future of Tesla under Elon Musk’s leadership remains uncertain. The intersection of corporate culture, political ideologies, and the treatment of dissenters within the organization will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping public perceptions and investor confidence in Tesla.