Bette Midler Ditches Tesla, Calls It a ‘Symbol of Greed, Racism, and Ignorance’
Bette Midler is reveling in a sense of liberation after parting ways with her Tesla.
“What a wonderful day!” the legendary performer posted on Instagram and Bluesky. “I sold my (gulp) Tesla!”
Though she’s long been recognized as a champion for the environment, Midler didn’t hold back when explaining her decision. She described the electric car brand as “a symbol of racism, greed, and ignorance,” citing its connection to controversial CEO Elon Musk.
Musk’s growing influence in American politics—particularly his alignment with far-right ideologies—has sparked mounting criticism. Since January 20, Tesla has faced increased calls for boycotts. Musk has reportedly funneled nearly $3 billion to support Donald Trump and his allies in their push to reclaim power, while also backing deep cuts to federal programs and government jobs.
Following Donald Trump’s reelection in November, Midler abruptly went silent on X—the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.
“Life is so much better!!!” she exclaimed on her other social platforms, proudly joining the growing wave of people cutting ties with Tesla.
Bette Midler Celebrates Cutting Ties with Tesla: “A Symbol of Racism, Greed, and Ignorance”
Bette Midler is celebrating a fresh start—and it begins with saying goodbye to her Tesla.
“What a wonderful day!” the iconic singer and actress shared on Instagram and Bluesky. “I sold my (gulp) Tesla!”
Though long recognized as an environmental advocate, Midler didn’t shy away from criticizing the electric car brand, calling Tesla “a symbol of racism, greed, and ignorance” due to its ties to controversial CEO Elon Musk.
“Life is so much better!!!” she added in a follow-up post, enthusiastically aligning herself with the growing movement of former Tesla owners distancing themselves from the brand.
Midler’s frustration stems largely from Musk’s increasing presence in U.S. politics. His alignment with far-right ideologies and reported $3 billion investment to help Donald Trump and his allies return to power have triggered widespread backlash. Since January 20, Tesla has become a lightning rod for protest, with critics condemning Musk’s support for deep cuts to federal programs and government jobs.
Following Trump’s reelection in November, Midler also abruptly ceased activity on X—the social media platform owned by Musk.
And she’s not alone.
In February, Grammy winner Sheryl Crow shared a video of her own Tesla being towed away. “There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with,” she wrote on Instagram, announcing she would donate the proceeds from the sale to NPR. “Goodbye, Tesla.”
Amid the growing cultural and political backlash, Tesla’s stock has taken a hit as Musk continues to steer the brand further into partisan territory.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Tesla, urging Americans to buy the vehicles. He’s also issued stern warnings, declaring that anyone who vandalizes a Tesla will face serious consequences.