A global wave of protests targeting Tesla facilities reached a crescendo today as thousands rallied outside showrooms and charging stations in what organizers dubbed the "biggest day of action" against CEO Elon Musk. The demonstrations, fueled by Musk’s controversial role in the Trump administration, have exposed deep divisions over corporate power, political influence, and the future of electric vehicles.
The Protests: Scale and Motivation
Over 500 protests were planned across 277 Tesla locations worldwide on March 29, from Los Angeles to Berlin, under the banner "Tesla Takedown." The decentralized movement, which began in February, aims to pressure Musk by damaging Tesla’s brand and stock value.
Organizers cite Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-created agency accused of slashing federal jobs and social programs as their primary grievance .
- Nonviolent vs. Violent Actions: While Tesla Takedown insists its rallies are peaceful, arson and vandalism at Tesla properties have surged. Incidents include Molotov cocktails hurled at Cybertrucks in Las Vegas and swastikas spray-painted on vehicles in Brooklyn. Federal authorities attribute these acts to "lone offenders," but Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have labeled them "domestic terrorism," threatening 20-year prison sentences .
- Political Symbolism: Protesters argue Tesla’s decline mirrors Musk’s polarizing politics. "He’s using Tesla’s wealth to fund authoritarianism," said Joel Lava, a Los Angeles organizer. The movement urges boycotts: "Sell your Teslas, dump your stock".
Musk and Trump’s Response
The Trump administration has framed the protests as an attack on American industry. Last week, Trump staged a pro-Tesla spectacle on the White House lawn, purchasing a Model S and praising Musk as a "patriot under siege" . Musk, meanwhile, has dismissed critics as "left-wing extremists" and accused activists like Valerie Costa of "committing crimes" without evidence-a claim that sparked online harassment against her .
- Legal Crackdown: The FBI formed a 10-person task force to investigate Tesla-related vandalism, while Bondi re-announced charges against previously arrested suspects. Critics warn this blurs peaceful protest with criminal activity .
- Stock Market Fallout: Tesla’s shares have plummeted 50% since December, erasing $740 billion in market value. Analysts attribute this to Musk’s political entanglement, competition from rivals like BYD, and the Cybertruck’s repeated recalls .
Broader Implications
1. Corporate Reputation at Risk: Once a progressive icon, Tesla now faces boycotts from its eco-conscious base. In Germany, sales dropped 76% after Musk endorsed the far-right AfD party .
2. Workforce and Innovation Stalled: DOGE’s demands have diverted Musk’s attention. Tesla’s R&D lags behind Chinese EVs, and its Full Self-Driving software remains unfulfilled .
3. Global Ripple Effects: Canada’s British Columbia canceled Tesla subsidies, while China’s BYD capitalized on Musk’s tarnished image to dominate Europe’s EV market .
With Tesla’s annual meeting looming in June, pressure mounts on its board to distance itself from Musk. Meanwhile, protesters vow to sustain their campaign until Musk exits government. As Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) declared: "We’re fighting for democracy-figuratively, but fiercely" .
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- Tesla’s stock closed at $236 on March 28, down from $484 in December 2024 .
- Musk pledged 238 million Tesla shares as loan collateral; further drops could trigger margin calls .
- The Cybertruck’s eighth recall (for flying trim parts) was issued this month .
Sources: TIME | NPR| The Verge | TechCrunch
