Tesla is having a rough year when it comes to car sales. The electric vehicle giant is expected to report its first-ever annual sales drop and thinner profit margins in its upcoming quarterly results. But here’s the twist: its stock has been on a roll, jumping 57% since Election Day. What gives?

A big part of the optimism seems to be tied to CEO Elon Musk’s cozy relationship with President Donald Trump. Investors are buzzing about the possibility that the Trump administration could pave the way for Musk’s ambitious plans, like fully self-driving cars without steering wheels or pedals. While this sounds futuristic, Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” tech hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype yet and has faced safety investigations.

Despite the setbacks, Musk is doubling down on his vision. He’s predicting Tesla’s “Cybercab” robotaxis will hit the streets by 2026, potentially making the company the most valuable in the world. Some analysts are on board with this optimism, calling Tesla a top AI investment. “The Trump tailwind is just starting for Musk and Tesla,” said one bullish analyst.

But not everyone’s convinced. Critics point out that Tesla’s sales are slowing in the U.S., and Musk’s controversial political leanings might be turning off some buyers, especially in liberal markets. One analyst even quipped, “He’s gone full MAGA, and it’s hurting Tesla tremendously.”

Adding to the challenges, Trump’s policies could shake up the EV market. The President has vowed to roll back emission standards and eliminate a $7,500 tax credit for EV buyers. While Musk has called the credit a “subsidy,” its removal could make Tesla’s cars less competitive against gas-powered vehicles. Still, some see a silver lining, arguing it could weed out competitors struggling to turn a profit on EVs.

As Tesla faces these headwinds, Musk’s focus is also under scrutiny. Between his ventures in space, AI, and social media—and now an office at the White House—some wonder if he’s spread too thin. For now, Tesla investors remain hopeful, but whether Musk can deliver on his grand promises remains to be seen.