In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the automotive, technology, and geopolitical landscapes, Canada has taken a significant step toward challenging one of the most powerful figures in the global business world: Elon Musk. On February 25th, 2025, CNN reported that more than 250,000 Canadian citizens had signed a petition calling for the Canadian government to revoke Musk’s citizenship and passport.

This petition is based on the premise that Musk’s political affiliations and business decisions, particularly his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, undermine Canada’s national interests. The petition has ignited a firestorm of controversy, triggering a powerful response from Musk that further deepens the divide between him and his critics.

The petition accuses Musk, who holds dual citizenship with Canada and the United States, of actively supporting Trump’s controversial policies, including the 25% tariff on all Canadian imports announced by Trump last year and his earlier suggestion that Canada should be annexed as the 51st U.S. state. Musk’s response to the petition was succinct but highly provocative.

Through his social media platform, X, Musk posted an eight-word message that has reverberated across the world: “Canada is not a real country.” This controversial remark has left the world questioning Musk’s true allegiance, his future in Canada, and the ongoing struggle between his companies and the U.S. government’s policies.

The timing of this petition couldn’t be worse for Elon Musk. Tesla, the flagship company of his business empire, is facing a crisis of its own. Once the undisputed leader of the electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla is now struggling to maintain its dominance.

Tesla’s stock has plummeted in recent months, due in part to declining consumer confidence, increasing competition, and Musk’s seeming detachment from the company’s day-to-day operations.

Tesla’s troubles have been compounded by widespread discontent among its employees. Workers at Tesla’s factories and development centers have expressed frustration over what they perceive as Musk’s shift in focus from electric vehicles to other ventures, particularly his increasing attention to his cryptocurrency pursuits, most notably Dogecoin (DOGE).

Musk, once hailed as a visionary who would revolutionize the automotive industry, is now seen by many as distracted and increasingly out of touch with the company’s core mission.

Tesla’s ambitious goals for autonomous driving, battery technology, and vehicle production are now in jeopardy. The company’s recent quarterly earnings report showed disappointing results, with a significant drop in vehicle sales and a delay in the rollout of its much-anticipated Cybertruck.

Industry experts are questioning whether Tesla can continue to thrive in such a competitive market, especially as new players have entered the EV race, including established automotive giants like Ford, General Motors, and new challengers from Asia.

Perhaps the most significant blow to Tesla’s dominance in the EV market has come from China’s BYD. Once considered a small player in the EV space, BYD has rapidly expanded its presence worldwide.

The Chinese automaker’s electric vehicles are not only more affordable than Tesla’s offerings but have also gained recognition for their innovation, performance, and range. In the past year, BYD has overtaken Tesla in global EV sales, leaving the once unchallenged leader in second place.

While Musk has repeatedly stated that he welcomes competition and believes that it will ultimately benefit consumers, the rise of BYD has underscored Tesla’s vulnerabilities. Industry analysts suggest that Tesla’s failure to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions, coupled with its inability to address critical issues like battery production and supply chain disruptions, has allowed BYD to seize market share.

In countries like China, where BYD has established a strong foothold, Tesla is finding it increasingly difficult to compete on price and volume.

At the same time, European and North American automakers are stepping up their efforts to develop electric vehicles. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, General Motors’ Chevrolet Bolt, and other new EV models from traditional automakers are challenging Tesla’s once unrivaled position.

With a wider array of vehicles available in various price points and with an increasingly robust charging infrastructure, consumers have more choices than ever before.

While Tesla faces these mounting challenges, Musk’s attention seems to be elsewhere. His public statements and social media posts have increasingly focused on his passion for cryptocurrency, particularly Dogecoin (DOGE).

Musk has become one of the most vocal and influential advocates for Dogecoin, frequently tweeting about its potential to revolutionize the financial system.

Critics argue that Musk’s obsession with Dogecoin and other cryptocurrency ventures is distracting him from his role as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, where his leadership is most urgently needed. In recent interviews, Musk has admitted that he often spends significant time on his cryptocurrency holdings, leading some to question whether this is hindering his ability to steer his companies through turbulent waters.

Furthermore, Tesla’s stockholders and employees have voiced concerns over Musk’s erratic behavior and apparent lack of focus on the challenges facing his companies. Shareholders, who once saw Musk as a genius visionary, are now wondering if he is losing touch with the reality of running multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

With Tesla’s stock value sinking and the company’s growth slowing, there is increasing pressure on Musk to devote more time and energy to his core business operations.

Canada’s decision to entertain the petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship is a significant political and economic maneuver. Musk’s close ties to Trump, along with his public political statements, have raised concerns in Canada, a country with a complex relationship with its southern neighbor.

The 25% import tariff imposed by Trump on Canadian goods, as well as his previous comments about merging the two countries, have already strained diplomatic relations. Many in Canada view Musk’s support for Trump as aligning with policies that are detrimental to the Canadian economy and its sovereignty.

The petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship is not just a political statement but also a reflection of the growing dissatisfaction with Musk’s business practices. Tesla’s struggles in the global EV market, compounded by Musk’s controversial political affiliations and personal distractions, have led many Canadians to question whether the country should continue to allow Musk, who has dual citizenship, to operate freely within its borders.

While the Canadian government has not made any official statements regarding the petition, it is clear that the country’s relationship with Musk and Tesla is becoming increasingly complex. Some lawmakers have even suggested that Canada should impose its own tariffs or regulations on Tesla and other Musk-owned businesses operating within the country, in an effort to safeguard national interests.

Musk’s eight-word response to the petition, “Canada is not a real country,” has only deepened the divide between him and his critics. The remark, widely viewed as dismissive and inflammatory, has sparked outrage across Canada and beyond. It is a statement that could have serious consequences for Musk’s reputation, both personally and professionally.

The world is watching closely as this saga unfolds, and it is unclear where Musk’s future lies. Will he return his focus to Tesla and SpaceX, regain his position as a visionary leader, and repair his tarnished image?

Or will his distractions, both political and financial, continue to pull him further away from the companies he once led to greatness?

One thing is certain: Elon Musk’s future, and that of Tesla, is now more uncertain than ever.