Elon Musk appears to be backpedaling on his role with DOGE, suddenly telling anyone who will listen that his department is not responsible for the federal government’s mass firings.

DOGE has made waves within the government, with Musk gleefully bragging about shutting down various agencies and eliminating countless federal jobs. As a result, the department has become a lightning rod, with critics saying it is undermining constitutional authority. Even Trump allies becoming increasingly worried about the havoc DOGE is causing, not to mention the privacy and security implications as a result of DOGE refusing to follow even basic standards for accessing sensitive data.

Despite all his previous bravado about DOGE, Musk is suddenly taking a much more subdued tone, trying to distance DOGE from recent federal job cuts impacting tens of thousands of employees. According to CNN, Musk told a group of lawmakers that the Department of Veterans Affairs cutting 70,000 jobs “wasn’t a DOGE decision.” Musk has reportedly distanced himself and DOGE from other cuts as well.

At first glance, the statement seems out of character for an individual who has seemingly tried to be as obnoxious and calloused as possible about people losing their government jobs—at least until one looks at the state of Tesla worldwide.

In the last few weeks, Tesla sales have absolutely tanked around the world, with some countries reporting as much as a 76% drop in sales. Meanwhile, even countries with a favorable view of President Trump are seeing a backlash against Tesla, with Musk being cited as the reason. In the Netherlands, for example, one-third of Tesla drivers have sold or are considering selling their vehicle because of Musk.

“There’s been a debate in the Netherlands around Tesla shame,” said pollster Joyce Boverhuis. “But it’s one thing just to be embarrassed by Musk. It’s another thing entirely when you take the next step and think about actually selling it.”

Given that Tesla’s failing fortunes have wiped more than $100 billion from Musk’s net worth—with no end in sight, no less—it’s little wonder Musk’s attitude is suddenly taking a bit of a sheepish turn. The only question is: Is Musk’s about-face too late to save Tesla?