The federal agency that regulates vehicle and traffic safety, which has been investigating Elon Musk's Tesla, has laid off about 4% of its workforce.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fired 4% of its workforce earlier this month, an individual with knowledge told Business Insider.

But as Musk has navigated toward conservative politics and emerged as a close adviser to President Trump, some Tesla owners say they are reconsidering their loyalty to the brand.Wall Street analysts worry the Tesla brand is showing some cracks,