On Saturday, large crowds gathered outside Tesla dealerships across the United States and in select European cities to protest billionaire Elon Musk’s recent actions as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This movement aims to challenge Musk's influence on government policies under President Donald Trump and to raise awareness about the implications of his decisions on the U.S. government.
The protests, part of the Tesla Takedown movement, are designed to escalate public opposition against Musk, who has been accused of accessing sensitive government data and dismantling entire agencies to cut spending. The billionaire's fortune, estimated at around $340 billion, primarily stems from his significant holdings in Tesla, which he continues to lead while coordinating with Trump.
Saturday marked a pivotal moment as activists aimed to surround all 277 Tesla showrooms and service centers in the U.S., hoping to amplify a recent drop in the company’s sales. By early afternoon, protest turnout varied from dozens to hundreds at Tesla locations in states including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas. Social media showcased images of protesters wielding signs with slogans like “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Fight the billionaire broligarchy.”
Internationally, the protests extended to over 230 Tesla locations, with smaller gatherings reported in Europe. In London, approximately two dozen demonstrators held signs criticizing Musk, while passing vehicles honked in support. One of the more provocative signs juxtaposed Musk's image with that of Adolf Hitler, echoing accusations of his alignment with extremist ideologies.
The Tesla Takedown initiative has garnered support from various groups, including disillusioned Tesla owners, celebrities like actor John Cusack, and political figures such as U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett from Dallas. During a recent organizing call, Crockett emphasized the need for ongoing protests, urging participants to “keep screaming in the streets” as part of a collective effort to raise awareness about the challenges at hand.
While many supporters are committed to maintaining a peaceful protest, incidents of vandalism have marred the movement. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned acts of arson that have targeted Tesla vehicles, labeling them as domestic terrorism. Musk expressed confusion over the violent actions during a company meeting, urging the perpetrators to “stop acting psycho.” Despite calls for peace, police in Germany are investigating a fire that destroyed seven Tesla vehicles, with uncertainties about its connection to the protests.
A growing number of consumers who purchased Tesla vehicles prior to Musk’s DOGE leadership are now seeking to sell or trade in their cars. Many have also begun placing bumper stickers on their vehicles to distance themselves from Musk's controversial government actions. However, during a March 20 address to employees, Musk appeared unfazed by the decline in Tesla sales, assuring them that the Model Y will remain “the best-selling car on Earth” and predicting over 10 million cars sold worldwide by next year.
Initially, Musk’s alliance with Trump was viewed positively by investors, leading to a remarkable 70% increase in Tesla’s stock value following the election. However, this optimism has significantly waned due to growing investor concerns regarding the backlash against Tesla, lagging sales in key markets like the U.S., Europe, and China, and Musk's focus on DOGE. As analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities noted, this situation represents a critical moment for Musk as he navigates the ongoing crisis affecting the Tesla brand.
As protests continue to unfold, the Tesla Takedown movement aims to keep the pressure on Musk and draw attention to the broader implications of his leadership decisions, raising questions about the future of his companies and their impact on societal issues.
