In an act of defiance against Elon Musk’s push for government efficiency, legendary rock star Sheryl Crow has made the bold decision to part ways with her black Tesla. The 63-year-old singer, known for hits like *Soak Up the Sun*, announced on Instagram Friday that she had sold her electric vehicle and donated the proceeds to NPR, a media organization Musk has repeatedly targeted for defunding.
In her post, Crow explained her decision, referencing the advice her parents gave her: “My parents always said… you are who you hang out with.” The message was clear: she’s severing ties with what she calls “President Musk,” a reference to Musk’s leadership of Tesla and his recent campaign to trim federal funding across various agencies, including NPR.
Crow appeared to take great satisfaction in her choice, smiling as a tow truck carted away her black Tesla. The video clip quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions from her followers. Some fans applauded her decision, while others criticized her for being “elite” and out of touch, accusing her of supporting the very “wasteful government spending” that many conservatives have long decried.
The amount Crow raised from the sale of her Tesla remains unclear. The base price for a new Tesla starts at $42,000, so it’s likely she made a significant donation to NPR. But her decision wasn’t about the money—it was about making a political statement. Crow went on to explain her choice in the caption: “Money donated to @npr, which is under threat by President Musk, in hopes that the truth will continue to find its way to those willing to know the truth.”
The singer didn’t stop there, tacking on a series of hashtags, including #PresidentMusk, #PresidentTrump, and #ProtectTheConstitution, reflecting her ongoing support for causes aligned with her liberal views.
Musk’s call to defund NPR has drawn considerable attention. Last week, he renewed his push to strip the media organization of its federal funding, a stance that has received backing from conservative figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). Greene recently announced plans for a hearing to examine whether NPR and PBS have ignored or downplayed stories critical of the Biden administration. Musk’s objections to NPR’s allegedly biased coverage have been well-documented, and he has made it clear that he believes NPR should stand on its own without taxpayer dollars.
While NPR only receives around 1% of its funding from the federal government, Musk’s stance is part of a broader effort to reduce wasteful government spending. His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already begun making cuts across various federal agencies, and NPR could very well be next on the chopping block.
Crow’s outspoken opposition to conservative policies is nothing new. She has long criticized former President Trump, his administration, and conservative ideologies. During the 2020 election, Crow proudly announced that she voted for Kamala Harris, praising the vice president for her empathy and compassion, while condemning what she saw as Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
In the face of Musk’s calls to defund NPR, it’s clear that Crow is standing firm in her opposition to what she sees as an assault on truth and free press. Whether her protest will resonate with her fans or serve only to highlight the divide between celebrity activism and the concerns of everyday Americans remains to be seen.
