Assuming Musk actually does ditch DOGE (this administration has not been big on following federal laws, after all), he’ll be leaving his new mess for an old one. Tesla is staring down a potential crisis, in no small part because of how badly Musk’s behavior has damaged the brand.

Ahead of a crucial earnings report, Elon Musk is under pressure to choose between Tesla and DOGE.Wedbush analyst Dan Ives warned Tesla faces a "code red" if Musk doesn't step back from his government role.