Protests Erupt at Tesla Stores as Discontent with Musk and Trump Grows

Protests Erupt at Tesla Stores as Discontent with Musk and Trump Grows

Across the US, protests erupted outside Tesla stores, fueled by growing discontent with CEO Elon Musk and his collaboration with President Donald Trump on government spending cuts. These demonstrations reflect a broader wave of disapproval in both North America and Europe regarding Musk's increasing influence in Washington.

Critics aim to discourage Tesla purchases and damage the automaker's reputation. Liberal groups have played a key role in organizing these protests, seeking to rally opposition to Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and energize Democrats still reeling from Trump's 2023 victory.

Musk, guided by Trump, advocates for significant reductions in federal spending and workforce, claiming that Trump's victory grants them a mandate to restructure the US government. Officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have swiftly gained access to sensitive databases, initiated thousands of federal job cuts, terminated contracts, and shut down agencies, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Musk's critics argue that his actions defy Congress's power to control the US budget and present opportunities for personal enrichment. He leads several other companies, notably SpaceX and the social media platform X.

Both Tesla and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

More than 50 demonstrations were listed on the website Tesla Takedown, with more planned later in March across the United States, England, Spain, and Portugal. News reports showed demonstrations in recent days in US cities including Tucson, Arizona; St. Louis; New York City; Dayton, Ohio; Charlotte; and Palo Alto, California.

Some Tesla owners have reported their vehicles vandalized with spray-painted swastikas, amid concerns of rising antisemitism. Federal prosecutors charged a woman in connection with vandalism against a Colorado Tesla dealership.

The Boston demonstration had a festive atmosphere, with a brass band playing music as protestors carried signs and chanted. Several signs mocked Musk and DOGE.

"This government led by Trump and Musk, it's gone completely off the rails and we are here to stop that," said Carina Campovasso, a retired federal worker. "And I hope they listen."

About 300 demonstrators protested at a Tesla dealership in New York City on Saturday. Police said nine people were taken into custody but did not elaborate on the charges they faced.

Tesla's share price has fallen by nearly a third since Trump took office, though it is still higher than it was a year ago.

Musk's current net worth is an estimated $359 billion, according to Forbes, which calculated his 2024 net worth as $195 billion.