Tesla’s board of directors has reportedly launched a proactive search for a future CEO. The search comes amid Elon Musk’s increased involvement in U.S. government initiatives and growing calls from investors for more focused executive attention.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the board began engaging executive search firms about a month ago—while Musk was spending much of his time in Washington in his role at the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump.
As head of DOGE, Musk and others have been tasked with promoting operational efficiency, requiring his presence at the White House up to 130 days annually. Critics and investors have argued that his proximity to the Trump administration, along with his vocal support for far-right political positions in Europe, is damaging Tesla’s brand.
In response, the board reportedly met with Musk personally, asking him to spend more time at Tesla, and say so publicly to reassure investors. While the report has, as of yet, not been verified by Musk, the CEO did just that at the Q1 2025 earnings call last month, saying that he would begin spending more time at the company, starting in May.
“Starting probably next month, May, my time obligation to DOGE will drop significantly. I think I’ll continue to spend a day or two per week on government matters for as long as the president would like me to do so, and for as long as it is useful, but starting next month, I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla, now that the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency is done,” he said.
While Musk has publicly pledged to rededicate more time to Tesla following a decline in Q1 profits and growing criticism from shareholders, the board’s search for a replacement reportedly continues.
Along with Musk’s statements, the Tesla board, including members like JB Straubel and James Murdoch, are reportedly actively reassuring stakeholders that the company remains in good hands.
