Tesla, the popular electric vehicle maker, is experiencing a wave of protests and vandalism across the United States. The unrest is largely directed at owner Elon Musk and the political controversies surrounding him, particularly his role during the Trump administration.
While most of the "Tesla Takedown" protests have been peaceful, there have been instances of vandalism, including intentional fires at showrooms and charging stations in states like Colorado and Massachusetts in the past week. Over the weekend, in New York, six individuals were arrested as protesters took over a local Tesla showroom, part of a larger movement against the company's ties to Musk and his political influence.
The protests have also sparked a surge in vandalism targeting Cybertrucks, with some owners even defacing their own vehicles to express discontent. At a recent demonstration outside a Burbank Tesla location, one protester identified herself as a former Tesla owner who had traded her vehicle for a Cadillac, expressing her embarrassment over her previous choice. "It wasn't what I stood for. How could I drive that car? I have principles," she stated.
The growing disapproval of Musk's political connections has led activists to brand him "President Musk," with increasing calls to distance the brand from his actions. Some protest signs included slogans such as "Deport Elon" and "Boycott Swasticar," linking the vehicles to broader concerns about fascism and economic fear.
The backlash is not limited to everyday consumers. Well-known individuals like musician Sheryl Crow have publicly distanced themselves from Tesla, choosing to donate their cars and denounce Musk's influence on their lives.
In response, Musk took to social media, sharing a video of a satisfied Cybertruck owner and thanking supporters amid the protests. However, the rising vandalism appears to be impacting Tesla's reputation, as the company's share price has dropped back to pre-election levels due to the backlash against Musk’s political entanglement.
Critics raise concerns over Musk's business dealings, particularly as his companies benefit from significant government contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense. Reports recently suggested that Musk attempted to influence a major telecommunications contract for the Federal Aviation Administration in favor of a SpaceX subsidiary.
As tensions rise, some Republican leaders are calling for an end to protests at political events, arguing that they are being infiltrated by professional demonstrators. Protests against Musk's influence are expected to continue as consumers and citizens seek to voice their concerns about the intertwining of business and politics in America.
