Tesla showrooms across the United States have become focal points for demonstrations as public backlash intensifies against CEO Elon Musk's controversial role in the Trump administration. The protests, which began shortly after Musk's appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have escalated from peaceful demonstrations to incidents of vandalism and arson in some locations.
The Tesla Takedown Movement
The protests are largely associated with the Tesla Takedown movement that emerged in February, encouraging supporters to sell their Tesla vehicles, divest from Tesla stock, and join picket lines at dealerships. The movement specifically targets Musk's role in DOGE, which has been tasked with dramatically reducing federal government spending by eliminating thousands of jobs. Demonstrators have adopted slogans like Nobody voted for Elon Musk and Oligarchs out, democracy in to express their opposition to what they perceive as unelected influence over government operations.
Escalating Protests Nationwide
Major demonstrations occurred in multiple cities over the weekend, with particularly large turnouts in Manhattan, Boston, Chicago, and Pasadena. In New York City's West Village, over 350 protesters gathered outside a Tesla showroom, resulting in six arrests—five for disorderly conduct and one for resisting arrest. The Manhattan protest coincided with an International Women's Day march, significantly boosting attendance. In one notable incident captured on social media, nine police officers surrounded a Tesla Cybertruck, apparently to protect it from demonstrators.
Major Protest Locations:
- Manhattan, New York: 350+ protesters, 6 arrests
- Boston, Massachusetts: 300 demonstrators, charging stations set on fire
- Chicago, Illinois: Hundreds of protesters at multiple locations
- Pasadena, California: Hundreds of protesters, attended by Rep. Judy Chu
- Delray Beach, Florida: Dozens of protesters
- Lisbon, Portugal: International demonstration
Violence and Vandalism
While most protests have remained peaceful, authorities have reported several serious incidents targeting Tesla property. In Boston, seven Tesla charging stations were deliberately set on fire at a shopping center in Littleton. A Colorado woman was arrested for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla vehicles and spray-painting an expletive at a dealership entrance. In Oregon, a Tesla showroom suffered damage from gunshots that shattered windows and damaged vehicles on display. These incidents represent a concerning escalation beyond the organized demonstrations.
Reported Incidents:
- Tesla charging stations set ablaze in Boston
- Vehicles torched at a dealership in France
- Gunshots damaging showroom in Oregon
- Molotov cocktails thrown at Tesla cars in Colorado
- "Nazi" graffiti on Tesla signage in Loveland, Colorado
International Spread
The movement has expanded beyond American borders, with protests emerging in international locations. In Lisbon, Portugal, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership with Boycott Tesla signs, expressing concerns about Musk's promotion of right-wing politics in Europe. The Portuguese protest occurred just before a parliamentary election, highlighting fears about Musk's potential influence on democratic processes globally.
Impact on Tesla's Business
The protests come at a challenging time for Tesla, which recently reported its first year-over-year sales decline. The company's stock price has plummeted more than 50 percent from its December peak, and Musk's personal net worth has reportedly dropped from USD 464 billion to USD 330 billion. Some Tesla owners have begun selling or trading in their vehicles to avoid association with the brand, with one owner telling The New York Times she had been called a Nazi for driving a Tesla.
Business Impact:
- First year-over-year sales decline for Tesla
- Stock price down more than 50% from December peak
- Musk's net worth reportedly decreased from USD 464 billion to USD 330 billion
- Some owners selling vehicles to avoid brand association
Musk's Response
In response to the growing protests, Musk has claimed that billionaires George Soros, Reid Hoffman, and others are funding the demonstrations through the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue. However, reports note that ActBlue functions as a donation platform rather than directly funding organizations. Meanwhile, Musk's DOGE initiative has already reportedly cut approximately 62,000 federal jobs, with further reductions expected at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Government Tensions
The protests reflect broader tensions within the government itself. Reports indicate that Musk has clashed with cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, over staffing cuts in their departments. Democratic lawmakers have been particularly vocal in their opposition to DOGE's cost-cutting measures, especially after funding cuts to international aid organization USAID.
As demonstrations continue to grow in size and intensity, law enforcement agencies across the country have increased security measures around Tesla properties, creating a visible symbol of the deepening divide over Musk's dual role as both a corporate leader and government official.