Musk tells Tesla employees to hold on to their stock amid protests

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk told employees to hold on to their stock and stay optimistic amid a series of blows to his company's reputation that have sent shares plunging. Since Musk began his prominent role in the Trump administration in January, Tesla stock has taken a hit as protests against the electric vehicle brand have erupted across the country. Tesla shares rose 5% Friday to close at 248.71 but have dropped 34% this year. With Chief Executive Elon Musk playing a prominent role in the Trump administration, many Tesla drivers are no longer happy about supporting the car brand. Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations have become targets for vandalism as distaste grows for Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.