This suggests that a reaction from consumers who dislike Mr Musk’s antics are only one reason for falling sales. An updated Model Y, Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, has just gone on sale. In preparation Tesla ran down inventory of the old model, crimping supply. Customers doubtless held off purchases until the new car was available.

The degree to which Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s interests are intertwined is unprecedented—and ultimately unsustainable.

Registrations of Tesla vehicles reportedly plummeted in Germany last month, signs of a possible consumer backlash against the electric vehicle maker in protest of its CEO Elon Musk’s political efforts.