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Protests against Elon Musk

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Tesla Takedown protestors at the Tesla Service facility in Minneapolis, March 2025
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Starting in 2019, protests against businessman Elon Musk arose from various controversies, with the latest cases in 2025 reacting to Musk's involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Donald Trump's second administration.[1][2][3] Protests appeared in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Portugal, as well as hundreds in the United States of America.[4][5] While the coordinated protests were peaceful, news sources reported acts of vandalism and the discovery of incendiary devices and explosives.[6][7][8]

Musk's involvement in more right-leaning politics and European election campaigns also resulted in backlash on a global scale.[9] Protestors often targeted Tesla property and showrooms as an extension or symbol of his perceived power.

Before Donald Trump's second administration

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In 2019, Musk received widespread backlash after he called the British cave diver, Vernon Unsworth a "pedo guy" in a later deleted tweet after he didn't accept Musk's help in the Tham Luang cave rescue. Unsworth sued Musk for defamation, where Musk was found innocent.[10][11]

In July 2020, Musk also received backlash for his statement on Twitter, "We will coup whoever we want! Deal with it." This statement is referring to the coup against Evo Morales Ayma, the former president of Bolivia, where Musk's company, Tesla had interests in the lithium deposits.[12]

In June 2021, a handful of demonstrators protested outside the Tesla Fremont factory over Musk's involvement in cryptocurrency.[13]

In February 2023, protesters gathered outside of Twitter headquarters following news of the Musk-led layoffs at the social media company.[14]

In November 2023, Musk was criticized for his antisemitic conspiracy theories and antisemitic viewpoints that he shared on X (formerly Twitter). The statements were even condemned by then White House Press Secretary, Andrew Bates. Musk was also criticized for allowing the rise of antisemitism on X.[15]

In May 2024, hundreds of protesters opposed to the planned expansion of a German Tesla plant clashed with police after attempting to storm the electric vehicle manufacturing facility.[16]

During Donald Trump's second administration

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See also: Response to the Department of Government Efficiency

Many anti-Musk protests from early 2025 were organized under the banner of Tesla Takedown.[17] A decentralized grassroots movement, Tesla Takedown coordinated peaceful demonstrations outside of Tesla showrooms.[18]

Domestic

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Several US Congress members spoke against Musk's role in the government during the "We Choose to Fight: Nobody Elected Elon" protests.

On February 3, protesters gathered outside the Office of Personnel Management and indicated that they would continue to protest for the rest of the week in opposition to DOGE and Musk. The protestors said that Musk had illegally taken control of the government's infrastructure,[19] and raised concerns that Musk was an unelected foreign national who was potentially stealing sensitive information stored in federal computer servers.[20]

Protest at a Tesla Dealership in Milford, Connecticut

On February 5, a rally was held in front of the Treasury Department, organized by word of mouth and social media, with initially 50 participants that grew into hundreds. Participants included federal workers, retirees and others who were alarmed and angry over Musk and DOGE's actions and its trajectory, chanting "Elon Musk has to go" and signs reading "No Trump, No Musk, No Fascist USA" and "Musk owns Trump". Democratic politicians including Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Representative Maxine Waters spoke at the protest.[21][22]

In mid-February it was reported that Tesla owners were selling their vehicles in protest, with 31% of polled Tesla drivers saying that Musk's actions had led to them selling or considering selling their car.[23] On March 14, Senator Mark Kelly posted a video on Twitter stating that he would also be selling his Tesla, as it was "built and designed by an asshole".[24]

In March 2025, a website called DogeQuest was published, which published addresses alleged to belong to American owners of Tesla vehicles and DOGE employees.[25]

On March 11, twenty-three New York State Senators sent a letter to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli urging him to divest the New York State pension fund from Tesla, stating that, "Given Tesla's ongoing volatility and significant profit decline, we should seriously evaluate the risks of continued investment and its impact on the pension fund's stability."[26]

Senator Richard Blumenthal mingling with protesters at a Tesla dealership in Milford, Connecticut

On March 22, a chapter of Indivisible organized a protest outside a Tesla Dealership in Milford, Connecticut; around 300 people were seen at it. Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke at the protest, asking them to continue and praising Senator Chuck Schumer.[27]

International

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In March, the protest group, Led By Donkeys used a harrow dragged by a Tesla car to etch the slogan "Don't buy a Tesla", along with Musk doing a gesture that was described as a "Nazi gesture" by the etcher on Black Rock Sands beach, North Wales.[28]

Vandalism

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Main articles: 2025 Tesla vandalism and 2025 Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion
Graffiti in Berlin, Germany in late January 2025

Cases of significant vandalism of Tesla property, including the defacing of 34 Cybertrucks in Florida, USA, started as early as December 2024.[29] Following initial reports regarding the controversial activities of DOGE, vandalism of Tesla properties spiked.[30][31]

A Tesla store in Loveland, Colorado, was damaged multiple times in late January and February. In Salem, Oregon, on January 20, witnesses stated that Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Tesla store sparking two fires doing an estimated half million in damages. Then, on February 19, the windows were damaged by bullets at the Salem Tesla store. On March 2, twelve Teslas were set on fire at a store in Toulouse, France, destroying eight vehicles and damaging four. Seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire near Boston on March 3. On March 6, at least seven shots were fired at a Tesla store in Tigard, Oregon.[32][33][34]

On March 24, police found "incendiary" devices inside a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas on Monday morning. Other outlets have described the devices as explosive in nature. The APD Bomb squad responded and released a statement that "The devices, which were determined to be incendiary, were taken into police custody without incident." Police stated that "The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is working to identify the individual or group behind this act of violence."[35][36]

Domestic terrorism allegations

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On March 20, 2025, NPR reported that the arrest of three people who had vandalized Tesla dealerships and charging stations raised the question of whether or not such actions constituted domestic terrorism. NPR reported that these cases had included "using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations and possessing other 'incendiary devices' and a suppressed AR-15 rifle." NPR stated, "While no one has been injured or killed by these attacks, three professors and researchers of domestic terrorism and extremism tell NPR that they consider these cases to be acts of domestic terrorism." Bruce Hoffman, senior fellow for counterterrorism and homeland security at the Council on Foreign Relations said, "It's absolutely domestic terrorism. I know that may discomfort many people. But vandalism is a crime that if it's committed with a political motive, can certainly be defined as terrorism."[37]

On March 21, Trump reiterated his belief that Tesla vandals were terrorists, comparing the vandalism to the January 6 United States Capitol attack and claiming that "nobody was killed" during the Capitol riot aside from Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol police while attempting to breach the Speaker's Lobby. However, several Capitol police officers died by suicide in the weeks following the riot and roughly 140 officers were injured during the attack. No deaths or serious injuries had been reported in connection with the Tesla protests.[38]

Musk's response

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When questioned about the vandalism while speaking with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Musk claimed without evidence that the vandalism and violence were originating from Democrats. He stated, "It's really come as quite a shock to me, this violence from the left. I thought the Democrats were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring, and yet they're burning down cars, and firing bullets into dealerships ... Tesla is a peaceful company. We've never done anything harmful, I've never done anything harmful. I've always done productive things." Musk further added how he believed there was a "mental illness thing going on", and suggested that the perpetrators were being led by a "larger force" who was funding and coordinating the violence.[39] Law enforcement and domestic terrorism experts have found no evidence that the attacks are coordinated.[40]

Musk also alleged that the violence was caused by individuals upset with being denied benefits that were obtained fraudulently, claiming that "... when you take away the money they're receiving fraudulently, they get very upset ... They basically want to kill me because I'm stopping their fraud and they want to hurt Tesla because we're stopping this terrible waste and corruption in the government. And well, I guess they're bad people. Bad people do bad things."[39]

Musk also alleged that transgender people were behind the incidents, saying that, "The probability of a trans person being violent appears to be vastly higher than non-trans."[41]

Tesla owner responses

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Bumper sticker on a Tesla, disavowing Elon Musk

In March 2025 it was reported that some Tesla owners were putting bumper stickers on their cars to clarify to others that despite driving a Tesla, they do not support Musk.[42]

References

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  1. ^ "Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla stores target Elon Musk's bottom line". AP News. 2025-03-02. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  2. ^ Mayes-Osterman, Cybele. "'Fork off': Protesters gather outside OPM to condemn Elon Musk 'stealing' personal data". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  3. ^ Bensen, Jackie (2025-02-05). "Federal workers protest over DOGE access to Treasury Department Data". NBC4 Washington. Archived from the original on 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  4. ^ Leggett, Theo (20 March 2025). "Tesla's challenges run deeper than 'toxic' controversy around Elon Musk". BBC. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  5. ^ Schemmel, Alec (2025-03-28). "Tesla Takedown: Anti-Musk protesters mobilize for Global Day of Protest at hundreds of Tesla locations". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
  6. ^ Isidore, Chris. "'Tesla faces vandalism and protests amid backlash against Elon Musk'". CNN. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  7. ^ https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/explosive-devices-found-in-tesla-showroom-amid-musk-threats/ar-AA1BzBQW?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
  8. ^ "Austin police recover incendiary devices at Tesla dealership". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2025-03-25. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
  9. ^ Verrender, Ian (10 March 2025). "Elon Musk's foray into politics met with protest that's hurting Tesla worldwide". ABC News. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  10. ^ "Elon Musk wins defamation case over 'pedo guy' tweet about caver". British Broadcasting Company. 2019-12-06. Archived from the original on 2025-03-16. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  11. ^ "Cave diver tells court Elon Musk tweets 'humiliated' him". British Broadcasting Company. 2019-12-05. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  12. ^ Vijay Prashad, Alejandro Bejarano (2020-07-28). "'We will coup whoever we want': Elon Musk and the overthrow of democracy in Bolivia : Peoples Dispatch". Peoples Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2025-02-06. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
  13. ^ staff • •, NBC Bay Area (2021-06-06). "Group Protests Outside Tesla Factory Over Elon Musk's Involvement in Cryptocurrency". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  14. ^ "Group Gathers Outside Twitter's SF Headquarters to Protest Elon Musk". NBC Bay Area. Archived from the original on 2024-07-24. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  15. ^ Morrow, Allison (2023-11-17). "Analysis: With antisemitic tweet, Elon Musk reveals his 'actual truth' | CNN Business". CNN. Archived from the original on 2025-03-19. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  16. ^ Paul, Kari (2024-05-10). "Eight hundred protesters attempt to storm German Tesla factory". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  17. ^ "Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla stores target Elon Musk's bottom line". AP News. 2025-03-02. Retrieved 2025-03-17.
  18. ^ Bacon, Auzinea (2025-03-22). "Backlash continues against Elon Musk's role with DOGE as demonstrations at Tesla showrooms enter fifth week | CNN Business". CNN. Archived from the original on 2025-03-22. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  19. ^ Music, Morgan (2025-02-03). "Protestors Plan for Week-Long Anti-Elon Musk Protests to Warn Others of His 'Illegal Decisions': 'Stop the Coup'". Latin Times. Archived from the original on 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  20. ^ Mayes-Osterman, Cybele (February 3, 2025). "'Fork off': Protesters gather outside OPM to condemn Elon Musk 'stealing' personal data". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  21. ^ Bensen, Jackie (2025-02-05). "Federal workers protest over DOGE access to Treasury Department Data". NBC4 Washington. Archived from the original on 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  22. ^ Guldogan, Diyar (5 February 2025). "Hundreds gather in US capital to protest Elon Musk's government influence". www.aa.com.tr. Archived from the original on 2025-02-12. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  23. ^ Cameron, Hugh (16 February 2025). "Tesla Owners Ditching Cars in Protest Over Elon Musk". NewsWeek. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  24. ^ Bolton, Alexander (March 14, 2025). "Sen. Mark Kelly ditching his Tesla: 'Built and designed by an a‑‑hole'". The Hill. Archived from the original on March 14, 2025. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  25. ^ Cox, Joseph; Koebler ·, Jason (2025-03-18). "'Dogequest' Site Claims to Dox Tesla Owners Across the U.S." 404 Media. Archived from the original on 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
  26. ^ Fahy, Patricia. "23 Senators sign letter to NYS Comptroller recommending divestment from troubled company". New York State Senate.
  27. ^ Zahn, Brian (March 22, 2025). "Hundreds protest outside Milford Tesla showroom Saturday". The Milford Mirror. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  28. ^ Spirlet, Thibault. "Activists used a Tesla to write 'Don't buy a Tesla' on a beach in Wales". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
  29. ^ Hawkins, Andrew J. (2024-06-24). "Dozens of Tesla Cybertrucks vandalized by someone who really doesn't like Elon Musk". The Verge. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  30. ^ Cooper, Jonathan J.; Johnson, Gene (2025-03-19). "Violent attacks on Tesla dealerships spike as Musk takes prominent role in Trump White House". AP News. Archived from the original on 2025-03-22. Retrieved 2025-03-23.
  31. ^ Kerr, Dara; Robins-Early, Nick (2025-03-15). "Eggings, swastikas and dog poop: Tesla bears brunt of people's ire against Musk". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  32. ^ Isidore, Chris. "'Tesla faces vandalism and protests amid backlash against Elon Musk'". CNN. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  33. ^ "'Oregon Tesla dealership shot at; damaged by gunfire, shattered glass'". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2025-03-08. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  34. ^ "'Tesla sites hit by arson amid DOGE cuts, Elon Musk backlash'". The Independent. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  35. ^ https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/explosive-devices-found-in-tesla-showroom-amid-musk-threats/ar-AA1BzBQW?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
  36. ^ Hawkinson, Katie (March 24, 2025). "Tesla showroom targeted with 'incendiary devices' in latest attack on Musk's company". The Independent.
  37. ^ 3 people face federal charges for Tesla attacks. Are such acts domestic terrorism? Archived 2025-03-20 at the Wayback Machine, NPR, March 20, 2025, Archive
  38. ^ Ewing, Giselle Ruhiyyih (March 21, 2025). "Trump downplays Jan. 6 by suggesting Tesla arson attacks are more serious". Politico. Archived from the original on March 22, 2025. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  39. ^ a b Rissman, Kelly (2025-03-19). "Elon Musk mocked for 'woe is me' interview on Hannity". The Independent. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
  40. ^ Collier, Kevin; Kosnar, Michael (March 21, 2025). "No evidence of coordinated vandalism of Teslas despite Musk and Trump claims". NBC News. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  41. ^ Reilly, Liam (2025-03-21). "Musk links trans people to Tesla attacks the same day his estranged daughter criticizes him in Teen Vogue interview | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved 2025-03-22.
  42. ^ Morgan Sloss (March 17, 2025). ""Perfect For The Regretful Tesla Owner": People Are Adding Anti-Elon Stickers To Their Teslas, And It's Sparking A Ton Of Debate". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on March 23, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
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