‘Tesla Takedown’ Sparks Worldwide Protests Against Elon Musk/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ On March 29, 2025, the “Tesla Takedown” movement organized over 200 global protests at Tesla dealerships, opposing CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement. Demonstrators aim to impact Tesla’s financial standing by urging the public to sell their vehicles and stocks. While organizers advocate for peaceful protests, there are concerns about potential confrontations with Musk and Trump supporters.
‘Tesla Takedown’ Global Protests Quick Look:
- Global Mobilization: Over 200 protests occurred worldwide, targeting Tesla dealerships and service centers.
- Movement’s Objective: The “Tesla Takedown” campaign seeks to diminish Musk’s political influence by impacting Tesla’s finances.
- Protest Methods: Participants are encouraged to sell their Teslas, divest from Tesla stock, and join demonstrations.
- Concerns of Confrontation: Organizers anticipate peaceful protests but are prepared for potential clashes with Musk and Trump supporters.
- Notable Incidents: Previous protests have seen arrests and vandalism, including graffiti and arson at Tesla facilities.
- Counter-Movement: “Tesla Shield,” a group of Musk supporters, plans counter-protests to show solidarity with Musk and Tesla.
- Political Context: Musk’s involvement in political activities, including significant contributions to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, has intensified public scrutiny.
- Public Sentiment: Some Tesla owners are trading in their vehicles, reflecting a shift in consumer perception amid the ongoing protests.
‘Tesla Takedown’ Sparks Worldwide Protests Against Elon Musk
Deep Look:
On March 29, 2025, a coordinated series of protests under the banner of “Tesla Takedown” unfolded globally, with demonstrators gathering at over 200 Tesla dealerships and service centers. The movement aims to challenge Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political influence, particularly his involvement in government efficiency initiatives and substantial political donations. Organizers are urging Tesla owners to sell their vehicles, divest from Tesla stock, and participate in demonstrations to diminish Musk’s financial and political clout.
In New York City, protesters assembled outside the Tesla dealership in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. The crowd, which grew to hundreds, held signs with messages such as “America is not for sale.” New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblyman Micah Lasher addressed the demonstrators, announcing plans to investigate Tesla’s lease terms for a state-owned factory in Buffalo. They questioned whether Tesla is fulfilling its obligations regarding job creation and financial commitments to the state.
Security measures were heightened at protest sites, with significant police presence to manage the gatherings. In Manhattan, at least seven NYPD vans were stationed around the Tesla dealership, reflecting concerns about potential confrontations. While organizers emphasized peaceful demonstrations, previous protests have seen incidents of vandalism and arrests. For instance, in Loveland, Colorado, a person was arrested for throwing a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla store, and another individual was charged with vandalizing the same location earlier in the month.
The “Tesla Takedown” movement has sparked counter-protests from groups like “Tesla Shield,” composed of Musk and Trump supporters. These counter-demonstrators have organized events in various cities, including Columbus, Ohio, and Irvine, California, to show support for Musk and Tesla. They encourage pro-Tesla demonstrations, creating supportive signs and expressing appreciation for Musk’s contributions.
Musk’s political activities have intensified public scrutiny. He has invested over $12 million in Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court race, supporting conservative Judge Brad Schimel. This involvement has led to legal challenges and accusations of attempting to influence judicial outcomes through substantial financial contributions. Musk’s actions, including offering financial incentives to voters, have raised concerns about the integrity of electoral processes and the role of significant donors in state politics.
The protests reflect a broader debate about the intersection of corporate influence and politics. Participants express concern that Musk’s wealth and political engagements pose a threat to democratic processes. The movement underscores the growing activism among consumers and citizens who seek to hold corporate leaders accountable for their political actions.
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