Tesla shares fell nearly 8% on Monday after CEO Elon Musk's plans to launch a new U.S. political party reignited concerns about his commitment to the company's future as it struggles with declining sales.

Mr. Musk’s involvement in politics and his financial support for the president’s campaign were once seen by investors as a benefit to Tesla, fueling a steep rise in company shares after the election last year. That association has now turned into a liability. Tesla shares are down 40 percent from their peak in December.