At the 25th Costume Designers Guild Awards, held on February 27, 2023, at The Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, Bette Midler took the stage as a performer for the very first time. (Featured image courtesy of Getty Images and JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP)
Shortly after selling her Tesla, Midler expressed her delight publicly.
Posting the same message on both Instagram and Bluesky, the iconic singer shared: “What a joyful day! It’s official: I’ve sold my Tesla!” Although she’s long been a vocal advocate for environmental causes, Midler stood by her decision to part ways with the electric vehicle. She described Tesla as “a symbol of racism, greed, and ignorance,” citing its connection to CEO Elon Musk.
On March 11, 2025, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk were seen being interviewed while sitting inside a Tesla on the South Portico of the White House in Washington, D.C. (Image courtesy of Getty Images, photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP)
Since January 20, Tesla products have been at the center of global protests. This backlash stems from Musk’s deep financial involvement in U.S. politics and his alignment with far-right rhetoric. Musk, a close ally of President Trump, has reportedly contributed around $3 billion to support Trump’s political return and has backed efforts to reduce federal programs and cut government jobs.
Now 79 years old, Midler remains a fierce supporter of liberal values and has regularly criticized both Trump and Musk online. Following Trump’s reelection win in November, she ceased activity on X, the platform now owned by Musk.
“Life is so much better!!!” she wrote on her remaining social channels as she announced her decision to sever ties with Tesla.
Midler isn’t alone. Grammy-winning artist Sheryl Crow also cut ties with Tesla in February, posting a video of her car being towed away. She announced she would donate the proceeds from its sale to National Public Radio. “There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with,” Crow wrote on Instagram. “But you must make that decision. It’s been fun, Tesla.”
Other Tesla owners, unwilling or unable to part with their vehicles, have resorted to modifying them to hide the brand, fearing association with Musk—or potential vandalism. Around the world, Tesla cars and dealerships have been vandalized with graffiti, fire, and other forms of destruction by those opposing Musk’s controversial views.
Since Musk’s increased involvement in politics, Tesla stock has declined.
Meanwhile, President Trump has used his platform to promote Tesla ownership, issuing strong warnings that anyone caught vandalizing the vehicles will face serious consequences.