Tesla Dealership Attacks Surge as Musk’s White House Role Grows/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles have become targets of vandalism and arson in recent weeks, with attacks escalating across the U.S. amid Elon Musk’s high-profile role in President Donald Trump’s administration. Law enforcement officials are investigating Molotov cocktail attacks, shootings, and arson incidents at Tesla locations. Musk, now overseeing Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, has blamed left-wing extremists, while federal officials vow harsh penalties for those involved.
Tesla Vandalism Spikes: Quick Look
- Violence targets Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles.
- Arson, gunfire, and Molotov cocktails reported in multiple cities.
- Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s administration fuels backlash.
- Progressive groups deny involvement, emphasize peaceful protest.
- The White House labels attacks “domestic terror” and vows retaliation.
- Tesla owners face backlash, some adding bumper stickers to distance themselves.
- Used Tesla prices fall, particularly for Musk’s controversial Cybertruck.
Tesla Dealership Attacks Surge as Musk’s White House Role Grows
Tesla Under Attack: Deep Look
A Surge in Violence
Over the past two months, Tesla dealerships and facilities have been attacked in at least seven states, with reports of:
- Molotov cocktails thrown at Tesla showrooms.
- Gunfire targeting Tesla vehicles in dealership lots.
- Arson at Tesla charging stations, including in Seattle and Las Vegas.
- Graffiti labeling Tesla as a “Nazi car” and Musk as a “fascist enabler.”
Law enforcement officials are still investigating whether the incidents are coordinated or isolated acts of vandalism.
Tesla: Once a Liberal Icon, Now a Political Target
Tesla was once seen as a progressive symbol, leading the push for electric vehicles and green technology. However, Musk’s political shift to the right, his ownership of Twitter (now X), and his role in Trump’s White House have made him a polarizing figure.
- Tesla stock surged after Trump’s election but has since lost those gains.
- Musk’s $250M donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign made him the biggest GOP donor.
- Musk’s influence over Trump’s policy-making has drawn heavy criticism.
Musk has blamed the attacks on left-wing groups, writing on X:
“Tesla just makes electric cars. These violent attacks are pure evil.”
Progressive groups have denied involvement, stating that their protests remain peaceful.
The White House Responds
Trump and his administration have condemned the attacks, calling them “domestic terrorism.”
- Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a federal investigation into the attacks and any potential funding behind them.
- The FBI is monitoring online threats against Tesla facilities.
- Trump has warned that perpetrators will “face the full force of the law.”
Tesla Owners Face Fallout
- Bumper stickers distancing owners from Musk—like “I bought this before Elon lost it”—have become common.
- Used Tesla prices, especially Cybertrucks, have dropped since Trump took office.
Despite the attacks, Tesla continues to be a dominant force in the EV market, though political tensions around the company are unlikely to fade soon.
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