Protesters Target Tesla Over Elon Musk’s Government Influence

Protesters Target Tesla Over Elon Musk’s Government Influence \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Protesters gathered at Tesla stores across the U.S. and Europe, condemning Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s government spending cuts and urging boycotts. Activists accuse Musk of helping Trump dismantle federal agencies, using his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash jobs and shut down programs. Tesla’s stock has dropped nearly 33% since Trump took office, as opposition to Musk’s influence continues to grow.

Protests Against Elon Musk and Tesla: Quick Look

• Demonstrators gathered at Tesla stores across the U.S. and Europe, protesting Elon Musk’s influence over Trump’s federal spending cuts.
• Activists aim to stigmatize Tesla ownership, encouraging boycotts and stock sell-offs to economically weaken Musk’s companies.
• Musk is spearheading drastic government cuts under Trump, with his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shutting down agencies and slashing jobs.
• More than 50 protests were organized nationwide, with some Tesla dealerships targeted for vandalism.
• At a New York City protest, 300 demonstrators gathered, and nine were taken into custody.
• Tesla’s stock has dropped nearly a third since Trump took office, despite still being higher than a year ago.

Deep Look

Why Are People Protesting Tesla and Elon Musk?

Tesla showrooms across the United States and parts of Europe became the center of large-scale protests on Saturday, as activists rallied against Elon Musk’s influence on President Donald Trump’s administration.

• Demonstrators accuse Musk of helping Trump dismantle federal agencies and slash government spending.
• Protesters say they aim to economically damage Tesla by discouraging purchases, organizing boycotts, and urging stockholders to sell shares.
• The movement, called “Tesla Takedown”, has coordinated over 50 demonstrations nationwide, with more planned in England, Spain, and Portugal.

“We can get back at Elon,” said Nathan Phillips, a Boston protester. “We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and boycotting Tesla and telling everyone else to sell their stocks and Teslas.”

Musk’s Role in Trump’s Government Restructuring

Musk has become a key player in Trump’s economic policies, heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a newly created office tasked with cutting federal spending, shrinking the workforce, and shutting down agencies.

• DOGE officials have gained access to government databases, overseen mass layoffs, and canceled federal contracts.
• One of the biggest shutdowns has been the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was closed under Musk’s directives.
• Critics argue Musk is acting outside congressional authority, influencing federal spending in ways that could benefit his businesses—including Tesla, SpaceX, and X.

“This government led by Trump and Musk, it’s gone completely off the rails,” said protester Carina Campovasso. “And we are here to stop that.”

Anti-Musk Movement Gains Traction

Activists have been organizing anti-Tesla demonstrations for weeks, using the protests to mobilize opposition to Musk’s policies and to reignite Democratic energy after Trump’s election victory.

• Protesters mocked Musk and DOGE, with signs reading “Stop Elon and his despicable Muskrats”.
• Some Tesla owners have reported their vehicles being vandalized, with swastikas spray-painted on cars amid fears of rising antisemitism.
• In Colorado, a woman was arrested for allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership, leaving graffiti that read “Nazi cars”.

The Boston protest had a festive atmosphere, featuring a brass band playing music as people chanted anti-Musk slogans.

“I hope they listen,” Campovasso added.

Tensions Rise at Tesla Protests Nationwide

In New York City, approximately 300 demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership, leading to multiple arrests.

• Nine protesters were taken into custody, though authorities did not disclose their charges.
• Similar protests took place in Tucson, St. Louis, Charlotte, Dayton, and Palo Alto.

“Musk is taking orders from Trump and gutting federal programs,” said one protester. “People need to wake up.”

Tesla’s Stock Takes a Hit Amid Political Uncertainty

As the backlash against Musk grows, Tesla’s stock has dropped nearly 33% since Trump took office, though it remains higher than it was a year ago.

• Musk’s net worth stands at an estimated $359 billion, according to Forbes, making him one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
• Some investors worry his political entanglements could hurt Tesla’s brand, especially among progressive consumers.

What’s Next?

• More protests are scheduled in March, with coordinated efforts across the U.S. and Europe.
• Democrats may use Musk’s policies as a rallying point in upcoming elections, framing Tesla as a symbol of Trump’s economic agenda.
• Tesla’s future sales could be impacted, as activists push to stigmatize Musk’s businesses.

Conclusion: A Growing Divide Over Musk’s Influence

Elon Musk’s expanding role in government decision-making has sparked major protests, placing Tesla at the center of a heated political battle.

With more demonstrations planned and consumer sentiment shifting, Musk’s leadership style is under increasing scrutiny—both in Washington and on Wall Street.

As the battle over government spending and corporate influence escalates, Tesla’s future may depend on whether Musk’s political alliances strengthen or alienate his customer base.

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