Protests Erupt Against Tesla as Critics Rally Against Musk's Political Influence

Tesla facilities are facing protests and vandalism tied to Elon Musk's involvement in US politics, particularly during the Trump administration. Despite mostly peaceful demonstrations, some encounters have turned destructive, prompting civil unrest and calls for boycotts.

Tesla facilities across the United States are witnessing a wave of protests and vandalism, primarily driven by outrage against Elon Musk, the owner of the electric car manufacturer, and his political activities during the Trump administration. The protests, dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” have generally been peaceful; however, a few incidents escalated to vandalism, including intentionally set fires at Tesla showrooms and charging stations, reported in places like Colorado and Massachusetts last week. Arrests have been made, particularly in New York City, where demonstrators occupied a Tesla showroom over the weekend.

In a notable development, instances of Cybertruck vandalism have surged, with some owners defacing their own vehicles in protest against Musk. Demonstrators, including a woman who decorated her Model X with chalk messages directed at Musk, have become increasingly vocal. The protests highlight a growing disquiet regarding Musk's influence on US government policies since he was permitted to establish the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), aimed at streamlining government operations and cutting costs. Critics argue that under Doge, approximately 100,000 federal employees have lost their jobs, and sensitive personal data of millions has been compromised.

As protests erupted, some demonstrators displayed signs calling for Musk to be deported, while others linked Tesla to fascism. Many supporters of progressive values now express regret over purchasing Tesla vehicles after Musk became entangled in political controversies. Karen Rabwin, a protestor, expressed her discontent by trading her Tesla for a Cadillac, stating her embarrassment for supporting Musk. Singer Sheryl Crow also made headlines when she donated her Tesla, expressing her decision to reconsider her alignment with the brand.

In response to the protests, Musk shared a video on his social media platform, X, showcasing enthusiastic Cybertruck customers, thanking supporters for their loyalty despite the protests. Nevertheless, the backlash against Musk's political actions seems to be reflecting in Tesla's stock market performance, which has reverted to pre-election levels after an initial surge following Trump's election win.

The demonstrations have drawn attention to Musk's substantial government contracts, particularly with NASA and the Defense Department, leading to concerns from constituents over the implications of his influence on public policy and economic stability. Reports have also surfaced alleging that Musk sought to have a Federal Aviation Administration contract redirected to his company, SpaceX. Musk's representatives have denied this claim, stating that Starlink is merely presented as a potential solution to aging infrastructure.

Criticism of Musk's entanglement in U.S. politics persists, especially in communities affected by recent job cuts proposed by the Biden administration. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders have urged their party members to cease hosting events related to the protests, although they have presented no empirical evidence to substantiate claims of professional infiltrators agitating the crowds.