In a surprising turn of events reminiscent of a Silicon Valley thriller, notable Tesla investor Ross Gerber has proposed that the sensational Wall Street Journal article indicating the Tesla board’s contemplation of replacing Elon Musk as CEO might have been instigated by Musk himself. Gerber’s hypothesis, presented during an interview with Newsweek, has created a stir within the financial and technology sectors, prompting renewed inquiries into Musk’s strategic motives, his control over Tesla, and the increasing pressures that may be influencing the future trajectory of the electric vehicle powerhouse.

A report from The Wall Street Journal, released earlier this week, referenced anonymous sources indicating that Tesla’s board of directors has begun discreet discussions with executive search firms in the past few weeks to assess possible successors to Musk. The reason behind this initiative?Growing criticism regarding Musk’s prominent role in U.S. politics—especially his position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during President Donald Trump’s administration—has led to a significant decline in public opinion and stock performance.

Musk reacted with his usual assertiveness on X, previously known as Twitter, labeling the report as “an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS” and a “DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE.” He alleged that the Journal released the story without incorporating what he asserted was a prior denial from Tesla’s board.