In a blistering attack that has set the sports and tech worlds ablaze, billionaire Elon Musk unleashed a scathing tirade against the Detroit Tigers on May 16, 2025, at 3:43 PM +07, accusing the team of betraying American innovation in a shocking X post. Labeling the Tigers “cowards” and “anti-American,” Musk’s outburst came in response to the team’s alleged support for a boycott of Tesla products, igniting a firestorm of controversy and sending social media into a frenzy with hashtags like #MuskVsTigers and #TeslaBoycott trending globally.
The drama erupted when Musk, Tesla’s CEO, posted on X: “Cowards are anti-American! The Detroit Tigers are spitting on progress by shunning Tesla. This is pure cowardice.” The post, which garnered over 2 million views in hours, was a direct response to Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera’s recent call for fans to delete X, citing Musk’s “trash” posts. Cabrera’s plea followed Musk’s announcement banning MLB players from using Tesla products, a move sparked by criticism from players like Kenta Maeda over Tesla’s safety features. Musk’s latest rant escalated the feud, framing the Tigers’ stance as a rejection of American ingenuity.
“Cowards hide from the future,” Musk continued in a follow-up post. “Tesla represents progress—Detroit should know better, but they’re stuck in the past.” The accusation stung deeply in a city synonymous with automotive history, and fans were quick to react. On X, some rallied behind Musk, with one user writing, “Elon’s right! The Tigers are disrespecting a company that’s revolutionizing cars.” Others slammed Musk’s arrogance, with a fan posting, “Calling Detroit anti-American? Musk’s lost it. The Tigers are our pride!”
The Tigers’ organization has not officially responded, but sources say players are furious. Cabrera, a revered figure with 3,000 hits, reportedly called Musk’s comments “disgraceful” during a team meeting, urging unity. Manager AJ Hinch, known for his measured approach, hinted at a press conference to address the issue, saying, “We’re focused on baseball, not billionaires’ tantrums.” The MLB, already navigating tensions with Musk over his Tesla ban, faces pressure to mediate, with Commissioner Rob Manfred calling for “cooler heads.”
Musk’s outburst reflects his growing volatility on X, where he’s clashed with figures from AOC to Jon Stewart. Critics argue his thin skin undermines Tesla’s credibility, especially as the company faces scrutiny over production delays and a 4% stock drop this week. Supporters, however, see Musk as a defender of innovation, unafraid to challenge detractors. “He’s fighting for America’s future,” one X user posted. “The Tigers picked the wrong enemy.”
The feud has broader implications. Detroit, a hub for traditional automakers like Ford and GM, has long viewed Tesla as an outsider. Musk’s attack risks alienating a key market, while the Tigers’ defiance could galvanize fans against corporate overreach. On X, boycott calls are split—some urge shunning Tesla, others X itself. “Musk wants a culture war, but we just want baseball,” one fan lamented.
As the saga unfolds, Musk shows no signs of backing down, tweeting, “If Detroit wants to play dirty, I’ll buy their stadium and make it a Tesla factory.” Whether this is bluster or a real threat, the Tigers-Musk clash has exposed deep divides over technology, loyalty, and American identity. For now, Cabrera and Musk are locked in a battle of wills, and the baseball world is watching.
