Tesla car owners, dealerships, and charging stations across the nation have become targets in protests against Elon Musk, the CEO of the electric car company. These protests are in response to Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is working to reduce wasteful spending and fraud in the federal government. Incidents of violence and vandalism have been reported at various Tesla locations, including gunshots fired at a dealership in Oregon and Molotov cocktails thrown at a dealership in Massachusetts. There have also been fires set at Tesla charging stations in Massachusetts, with multiple chargers being damaged.
In one incident, a man in Massachusetts was caught on video tagging Tesla vehicles with Musk decals and sharing the footage online. When confronted by police, the man cited “free speech” as his justification for vandalizing property. In Colorado, a 42-year-old individual was charged after police found explosives and concerning messages at a Tesla dealership. These events are part of a larger trend of apparent protests against Musk and the DOGE, with groups like Indivisible urging liberals to take action against Musk and providing a “tool kit” for organizing demonstrations at Tesla locations.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., expressed concerns about lawmakers targeting Musk for political gain, noting that some have stated that attacking Musk is beneficial for their polling numbers. She also highlighted Musk’s comments about receiving an increase in threats on his life, particularly after a conversation with podcaster Joe Rogan. Protesters have been rallying outside Tesla dealerships with signs denouncing Musk and the DOGE, with events taking place in locations like Decatur, Georgia. These protests reflect the growing tensions surrounding Musk’s ties to the Trump administration and his role in government efficiency efforts.
The protests against Musk and the DOGE are part of a broader backlash against the perceived alignment between the electric carmaker and the Trump administration. Critics argue that Musk’s cooperation with the DOGE undermines his image as a progressive entrepreneur and environmental advocate. The incidents of violence and vandalism at Tesla locations highlight the intensity of these tensions and the impact they are having on the company’s operations. As protests continue to escalate, there are concerns about the safety of Tesla employees, customers, and properties. The ongoing controversy surrounding Musk’s ties to the Trump administration and the backlash from progressive groups raise questions about the future of Tesla and its reputation in the electric vehicle industry.
