Protesters convened outside Tesla showrooms across the U.S. on Saturday to voice their opposition to the significant cuts Elon Musk, a billionaire advisor to President Donald Trump, is enforcing on the federal government. Organizers reported 37 protests nationwide under the social media hashtags #TeslaTakedown and #TeslaTakeover.
Musk's car company has increasingly become a focal point for political dissent in the U.S. and Europe due to his substantial influence within the White House. Through his initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), Musk has overseen the termination of tens of thousands of civil servants and gained access to sensitive U.S. Treasury funds. He has also expressed support for Germany's far-right movement and advocated for the removal of the UK's center-left government led by Sir Keir Starmer.
The backlash began with Tesla owners placing bumper stickers on their cars reading "I bought this before Elon went crazy," which has since escalated to activists projecting an image likening Musk’s gestures to a Nazi salute onto Tesla's Berlin factory.
In January, the UK campaign group Led by Donkeys collaborated with Germany’s Centre for Political Beauty to project this image, alongside a montage of Musk’s recent political statements, responding to his endorsement of Germany's far-right AfD party. Local news sources have documented arson and attempted arson incidents at Tesla showrooms in Oregon and Colorado. Earlier this month, a Tesla showroom in The Hague was vandalized with graffiti that included swastikas and anti-fascist slogans. Dutch police confirmed they are investigating these incidents with Tesla but no arrests have been made yet.
Tesla's stock, which initially rose post-presidential election, dropped 6% on Tuesday to $328.50. It rebounded to close the week at $355.84 but remains down 12% since the year began. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives noted concerns that Musk's focus on Doge might detract from his responsibilities at Tesla and alienate some consumers due to his alignment with Trump.
About 50 to 100 protesters gathered in Portland, Oregon, holding signs such as "Dethrone Musk" and "If Tesla survives, your country dies." Author Edward Niedermeyer, who wrote "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors," participated, arguing that boycotting Tesla is the only way to counter Musk's agenda since he isn't elected. He suggested that significant financial losses could pressure investors to sell shares, potentially causing a drop in Tesla's share price and forcing Musk to sell part of his stake to meet margin calls.
Niedermeyer emphasized that each prevented Tesla sale or dollar not spent on Tesla services further weakens the business. In Chicago, a banner reading "Stop buying Nazi cars." Resident Lisa Pereira joined the protest, disturbed by the administration's efforts to undermine diversity initiatives, aggressive immigration policies, and Musk's influence. Chris White attended out of fear of a "fascist coup," and concerned about the future of healthcare for his transgender children.
While one man shouted his admiration for Musk from a truck, most passers-by in the Democratic-leaning city showed support for the protest, with some preferring to buy from Rivian, an electric truck maker with a showroom nearby. Tesla did not immediately comment on the protests.