Summary
Republicans’ efforts to portray Elon Musk as a MAGA martyr are failing, as his victim narrative struggles to resonate with conservative audiences.
Musk’s controversial statements and perceived elitism, including his complaints of being targeted by Democrats, have alienated even right-wing supporters.
Protests and vandalism against Tesla have damaged the brand, and Musk’s ties to Trump have hurt the Trump’s approval ratings, especially on economic issues.
Attempts to rally sympathy for Musk, including his emotional Fox News appearance, have largely backfired.
This is the narrative Musk and Republicans want.
The protests and vandalism aren’t hurting his brand.
They’re another consequence of him openly being a fucking Nazi, which is what’s hurting his brand.
It’s not that complicated, but a shit ton of people keep missing the point
“I can excuse some nazism, but vandalism is where I draw the line!”
…you can excuse nazism?
Won’t someone think of the stock market?!
-Neoliberals
Protests and vandalism are the effects of a shitty brand, not the cause. Musk himself is the cause.
Also “controversial statements and perceived elitism” is doing some heavy lifting…