Bette Midler just sold her Tesla, and millions want to know why. Last Wednesday, Midler announced her decision on Instagram and Bluesky with celebratory posts. Her enthusiastic message made clear that selling the vehicle brought her significant joy and satisfaction.
Midler didn’t hold back about her reasoning. According to her posts, she viewed her electric vehicle as problematic due to its connection with CEO Elon Musk. For Midler, parting ways with her car represented a personal victory rather than simply changing vehicles.
Despite her well-known environmental advocacy work, Midler prioritized her concerns about Tesla’s leadership over its eco-friendly benefits. Her decision marks a significant moment where personal values took precedence over other considerations for a major purchase.
Midler expressed genuine relief at no longer owning a product associated with Musk. Her public announcement joins a growing list of celebrity statements about consumer choices based on political or ethical considerations. Many fans wondered what vehicle would replace her Tesla and how this choice reflected her broader values.
Table of Contents
- What’s the Big Deal? Bette Midler Ditches Tesla
- The Musk Factor: Why the Beef?
- It’s Not Just Bette: Other Celebs Saying “So Long, Tesla”
- The Ripple Effect: What Happens When Politics Meets Cars?
- Trump’s Take: Oddly Enough, He’s a Tesla Fan
- Bette vs. Trump: A Long-Running Saga
- What’s the Takeaway? More Than Just a Car
- Cars and Values: Where Do You Stand?
What’s the Big Deal? Bette Midler Ditches Tesla
Bette Midler just sold her Tesla, and millions want to know why. Last Wednesday, Midler announced her decision on Instagram and Bluesky with celebratory posts. Her enthusiastic message made clear that selling the vehicle brought her significant joy and satisfaction.
Midler didn’t hold back about her reasoning. According to her posts, she viewed her electric vehicle as problematic due to its connection with CEO Elon Musk. For Midler, parting ways with her car represented a personal victory rather than simply changing vehicles. In her post, Midler wrote: ‘What a joyful day! I sold my (gulp) Tesla! No longer do I have to drive a symbol of racism, greed and ignorance! Life is suddenly so much better!!'”
Despite her well-known environmental advocacy work, Midler prioritized her concerns about Tesla’s leadership over its eco-friendly benefits. Her decision marks a significant moment where personal values took precedence over other considerations for a major purchase.
Midler expressed genuine relief at no longer owning a product associated with Musk. Her public announcement joins a growing list of celebrity statements about consumer choices based on political or ethical considerations. Many fans wondered what vehicle would replace her Tesla and how this choice reflected her broader values.
The Musk Factor: Why the Beef?
Elon Musk’s political activities have sparked controversy among many celebrities and consumers. Since January 20, Musk has spent nearly $3 billion supporting President Trump and his allies during the election cycle. His financial backing has played a significant role in political campaigns across America.
Following that support, Musk joined efforts focused on reducing federal programs and cutting government jobs. His work with Trump’s administration placed him squarely in a position of influence, causing some consumers to reconsider their relationship with Tesla products.
Musk maintains roles as both CEO of Tesla and head of other major companies like SpaceX. His public statements and political positions generated strong reactions from individuals across political spectrums. For many liberal-leaning celebrities like Midler, owning a Tesla now carries unwanted political associations.
Financial analysts note how Musk’s political activity coincided with changes in Tesla’s market perception. His shift toward more visible political involvement altered public opinion about Tesla as a brand. Cars once seen primarily as innovative electric vehicles now carry additional symbolic weight for many potential buyers and current owners.
It’s Not Just Bette: Other Celebs Saying “So Long, Tesla”
Midler joins a growing movement of celebrities publicly cutting ties with Tesla. Grammy Award-winner Sheryl Crow made headlines in February when she posted a video showing her Tesla being towed away. Crow announced she would donate money from selling her vehicle to NPR, making a clear statement about her values.
“There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with,” Crow wrote on Instagram. Her Instagram post explained her reasoning straightforwardly about aligning with personal values and brands. Many fans applauded her decision across social media platforms.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly also publicly parted ways with his Tesla last month. Kelly replaced his electric vehicle with a white Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and documented his switch on video. His decision added political weight to what some view as an emerging pattern among public figures.
Celebrity actions often influence consumer behavior, and these high-profile vehicle changes sparked conversations nationwide. Social media reactions ranged from strong support to fierce criticism, highlighting how car ownership now carries political implications for many Americans. Car industry analysts began tracking these celebrity decisions for potential market impact moving forward.
The Ripple Effect: What Happens When Politics Meets Cars?
Many Tesla owners now modify their vehicles to hide brand markings. Reports show some paint over logos or remove badges, hoping to avoid unwanted attention. Car forums fill with posts from owners sharing tips on disguising Tesla ownership while maintaining vehicle functionality.
Vandalism against Tesla products increased following Musk’s political activities. Some dealerships reported spray paint damage, while vehicles parked in public faced similar targeting. News outlets have documented cases of Tesla cars being defaced or damaged due to their brand association.
The stock market’s impact followed these consumer reactions. Tesla share prices fluctuated as brand perception shifted among specific customer segments. Financial analysts released reports examining how political alignment affects consumer brands across various industries.
Car industry experts note that this politicization feels unprecedented within automotive marketing. Historically, car brands rarely faced boycotts based on leadership politics. Marketing professionals study this phenomenon as it may reshape how brands position themselves moving forward.
Social media conversations about Tesla ownership have changed dramatically over the past few months. Users weigh political considerations against product features when making purchasing decisions. Consumer psychology researchers examine how brand perception influences major purchases in politically divided times.
Trump’s Take: Oddly Enough, He’s a Tesla Fan
President Trump voiced surprising support for Tesla products despite Musk’s controversial status. During recent public appearances, Trump encouraged Americans to purchase Tesla vehicles. His endorsement created an unusual alliance between presidential authority and corporate interests.
Trump went further by issuing warnings about consequences for anyone damaging Tesla vehicles. His statements promised severe punishment for vandalism against Tesla products, highlighting the unique protection offered to this specific brand. Legal experts questioned how such specific protection might work in practice.
Administration officials echoed Trump’s position on Tesla ownership. Several cabinet members publicly displayed or discussed their own Tesla vehicles during official functions. Photos of government parking areas showed increased numbers of Tesla vehicles since January.
Presidential support for a specific car brand marks an unusual development in American politics. Historians note few precedents for a sitting president actively promoting purchases from a particular company. Economic advisors debated potential impacts of presidential endorsement on market competition.
Presidential communications referenced Tesla positively across multiple platforms. Trump praised Tesla manufacturing processes and job creation during factory visits. Press briefings included mentions of Tesla as an American success story worth supporting.
Bette vs. Trump: A Long-Running Saga
Washed up psycho @BetteMidler was forced to apologize for a statement she attributed to me that turned out to be totally fabricated by her in order to make “your great president” look really bad. She got caught, just like the Fake News Media gets caught. A sick scammer!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2019
Midler and Trump share a history filled with public disagreements. For years, both personalities exchanged sharp criticisms through various platforms. Political differences fueled ongoing tensions between them long before Tesla entered their dispute.
Social media became their primary battleground. Trump previously called Midler a “washed up psycho” on Twitter (now X) back in June 2019. His comments came after she apologized for sharing a fake quote attributed to him from the late 1990s.
Midler removed her controversial post when its accuracy came into question. She acknowledged her mistake publicly while maintaining her critical stance toward Trump. Her quick correction did little to resolve tensions between them.
Mutual criticism continued throughout Trump’s first term. Midler frequently voiced opposition to Trump administration policies on social media. She maintained her outspoken approach across multiple political controversies.
Midler abruptly stopped posting on X the day after Trump won reelection in November. Her shift away from Musk-owned platforms aligned with her other actions regarding Musk-affiliated products. Media observers noted how her Tesla sale fits within this broader pattern of distancing herself from anything connected to both men.
What’s the Takeaway? More Than Just a Car
Midler’s decision highlights how personal values now influence consumer choices at every level. Car purchases, traditionally based on practical factors such as safety and fuel economy, now carry political significance for many buyers. Brand perception extends beyond product quality to include company leadership and political affiliations.
Political alignment is increasingly affecting purchasing decisions across multiple industries. Clothing brands, food companies, and now automakers find themselves sorted into political categories by some consumers. Marketing professionals adapt strategies to navigate these changing consumer expectations.
Celebrity influence amplifies these purchasing signals. When public figures like Midler and Crow make their consumer choices visible, their actions reach millions of followers. Social media platforms magnify their impact, spreading their decisions to audiences worldwide.
Companies face new challenges in managing brand perception in politically divided times. Tesla faces unusual pressure as it is both praised and criticized based on its leadership rather than its products. Other companies watch closely, learning how political positioning affects market segments.
Consumer psychology research shows that people increasingly view purchases as a statement of value. Many Americans now research a company’s politics before making a significant purchase. Automobile manufacturers, in particular, face scrutiny, as their products remain prominent symbols of consumer identity.
Cars and Values: Where Do You Stand?
Midler’s Tesla farewell raises questions worth considering. Would you sell a product you love because of who made it? Many Americans now face similar choices across various brands and products.
Car ownership holds different meanings today than it did in previous decades. Vehicles signal more than status or style—they may reflect political values for some drivers. People weigh these factors differently when standing in showrooms or shopping online.
Social media amplifies these personal choices, turning private decisions into public statements. Celebrities know their purchasing choices create waves, while everyday consumers make similar decisions without fanfare.
Consumer power is created through individual choices that add up over time. Each person decides how much politics matters when selecting products. Some prioritize features and benefits, while others focus on company leadership and values.
