Tesla Takedown Goes Global
Anti-Musk Protests Erupt Amid Political and Corporate Backlash
Nationwide Protests Target Tesla Over Musk’s Role in Trump Administration
Thousands of protesters gathered outside Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and corporate offices across the U.S. and internationally on Saturday as part of the "Tesla Takedown" movement’s largest coordinated demonstration yet. The grassroots campaign, fueled by anger over CEO Elon Musk’s leadership of the Trump administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), seeks to pressure Musk by destabilizing Tesla’s financial standing and public image.
Organizers claim the movement is decentralized, with over 500 protests planned globally, including nearly 50 in California alone. Demonstrators demand accountability for Musk’s role in slashing federal agencies, laying off tens of thousands of government workers, and advancing policies critics argue undermine democracy and public services.
Elon Musk's Political Influence Sparks Global Backlash as Tesla Protests Escalate
Elon Musk, currently ranked as the world's wealthiest individual with a net worth exceeding $300 billion, has become a lightning rod for controversy due to his dual roles as Tesla CEO and head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).His107.8 billion of his fortune, which he has increasingly deployed to support political causes, including more than $260 million in donations to pro-Trump political action committees since 2024.
As DOGE director, Musk has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures across federal agencies, including eliminating nearly 30% of IRS staff and attempting to shutter the U.S. Institute of Peace. These actions, combined with his vocal support for the Trump administration's policies, have transformed Tesla from an electric vehicle pioneer into a symbol of political polarization.
Peaceful Protests vs. Escalating Violence
While organizers emphasize nonviolence, the movement has been marred by extremists. Over 80 incidents of arson, vandalism, and Molotov cocktail attacks on Tesla properties have been reported, including a recent bombing attempt in Austin, Texas. Swastikas spray-painted on Cybertrucks and bullets fired into showrooms have further inflamed tensions.
The FBI launched a task force this week to investigate what Director Kash Patel called “domestic terrorism,” raising concerns about the conflation of peaceful dissent with criminal activity. Former FBI agent Mike German warned that counterterrorism measures risk suppressing First Amendment rights, citing increased surveillance of protesters.
Political Rhetoric Heats Up
The Trump administration has framed the protests as a threat to national stability. President Trump labeled attacks on Tesla “domestic terrorism” and threatened to send convicted offenders to prisons in El Salvador. Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged to prosecute organizers, despite evidence suggesting most violence is carried out by lone actors.
Musk, meanwhile, has amplified accusations of criminality against activists like Valerie Costa, a Seattle organizer falsely linked to Democratic fundraising. His social media posts have spurred harassment campaigns against protesters, deepening the divide .
Economic and Cultural Fallout
Tesla’s brand crisis is intensifying. Analysts note a 48% stock plunge since December 2024, alongside a surge in Tesla trade-ins. “This is a dark brand crisis tornado,” said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, urging Musk to refocus on Tesla’s core business .
Protesters, however, see the decline as validation. “When the stock drops, we know we’re getting to him,” said Glenn Popson, a tech worker at a Maryland rally. Even Tesla loyalists like Ferhat Canakci, a Model Y owner, acknowledge the reputational damage: “Vandalizing cars hurts owners, not Musk”.
A Movement Uniting Diverse Grievances
The protests have united veterans, environmentalists, and civil rights advocates. Jennifer Cousins, a Florida organizer, called Musk “a bigger threat to democracy than Trump,” while activists in the UK formed “Everyone Hates Elon” to mock Musk’s perceived authoritarianism .
In the Bay Area, protests included panel discussions on labor rights and education cuts, reflecting broader opposition to Trump-Musk policies. “This isn’t just about cars—it’s about resisting the erosion of our institutions,” said Ron Clower, a New York protester.
What’s Next?
As night falls on March 29, the long-term impact remains uncertain. While Tesla may benefit from Trump’s auto tariffs, analysts warn the protests could permanently tarnish its appeal to climate-conscious buyers. For activists, the goal is clear: “If Musk becomes just another low-end billionaire, Trump will dump him,” said LA organizer Joel Lava. “That’s how we reclaim power” .
The Tesla Takedown movement, now a symbol of anti-corporate resistance, underscores a volatile intersection of wealth, politics, and public dissent—a battle far from over.
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About the Creator
Brooklyn Hart
Hi, I'm Brooklyn, a girl with a keen interest in health and beauty. I love reading about the latest trends, treatments, and techniques in these fields and enjoy sharing my thoughts and ideas with others.
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