On February 14, 2025, Sheryl Crow, the Grammy-winning country music star, made headlines by selling her Tesla in a public protest against Elon Musk, the company’s CEO. In an Instagram post, Crow shared a video of herself waving goodbye to her black Tesla as it was towed away, set to Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye.” She announced that the proceeds from the sale would be donated to National Public Radio (NPR), an organization she claimed was “under threat” by Musk’s influence. Crow’s caption read, “My parents always said… you are who you hang out with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long Tesla.” In a follow-up comment, she added, “I bought it before I knew he was crazy,” hinting at her disillusionment with Musk’s recent actions.
Crow’s decision stems from Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative under President Donald Trump aimed at slashing federal spending, including NPR’s funding, which constitutes about 1% of its budget. Musk has long criticized NPR, calling it “state-controlled” in 2023 and advocating for its defunding. Crow, a vocal supporter of environmental causes and progressive values, once praised her Tesla in 2019, even exchanging messages with Musk on Twitter about a technical issue. However, Musk’s alignment with controversial policies and his outspoken presence on X have shifted her perspective, prompting this symbolic gesture.
The move sparked polarized reactions. Fellow artists like Kacey Musgraves, who called her “Sheryl Queen,” and Margo Price praised Crow’s stance. Fans on Instagram echoed their support, with one writing, “Good on you for practicing what you preach!” Yet, others criticized the act as performative, pointing out that Musk had already profited from the car’s original sale. On X, detractors argued Crow was out of touch, with one user stating, “She thinks this hurts Musk, but it’s just virtue signaling.” Another remarked, “Donating to NPR while veterans need help? Misplaced priorities.”
Crow’s history of activism, from environmental advocacy to criticizing Trump’s first term, frames her decision. In 2021, she told Vanity Fair that her past relationship with Lance Armstrong, whose anti-trans views surfaced later, was hard to reconcile, suggesting a pattern of distancing herself from figures she no longer aligns with. Her Tesla sale, while symbolic, aligns with a broader backlash against Musk, as Tesla sales dropped in Europe and China in January 2025, partly attributed to his political ties.
The donation to NPR, which relies on public and corporate support far more than federal funds, underscores Crow’s commitment to independent media. Whether her act will inspire others remains unclear, but it has ignited debate about celebrity activism and Musk’s growing influence. As Crow continues her career, with performances lined up for 2025, her bold move ensures she remains a lightning rod for both admiration and critique in a divided cultural landscape.
