The once gleaming showrooms that announced Tesla’s innovation now are focal points in a growing global movement. What started out as a series of scattered protests has grown into the “Tesla Takedown” – a global protest not only against a car company, but against what is perceived by many as a symbol of unchecked power and polarized politics.
From Electric Dreams to Political Nightmares
Do you recall when Tesla used to be all about cool cars and saving the planet? Those days are long gone. Tesla has been collateral damage in an ugly political battle ever since Elon Musk assumed his new role in the Trump administration as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in January 2025.
The protests did not break out overnight; instead, they started simmering in February when Musk unveiled sweeping changes via DOGE, including the dismantling of federal humanitarian programs and organizing massive government layoffs. For many Americans, these actions were a tipping point, transforming Tesla from an aspirational brand to a target for their increasing frustration.
“I sold my Model Y last month,” Jamie Rodriguez, a former Tesla owner in San Francisco, confesses. “I loved the car, but every time I got into it, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was endorsing policies that harmed people I care about.”
A Movement Goes Global
What started out as isolated protests has now escalated to become far more pervasive. March 29 is an international “day of action” with organizers expecting over 500 demonstrations across the globe, with over 200 of them in the United States.
The movement’s tactics range from peaceful demonstrations outside Tesla facilities to more controversial approaches:
Encouraging current Tesla owners to sell their vehicles.
Investors are being pressured to divest from Tesla stock.
- Boycotting Tesla products and services
Planning social media campaigns with hashtags like #TeslaTakedown and #SellTesla.
Though protest organizers have stressed peaceful action, the movement has not been without violence. There have been reports of vandalism – Teslas graffiti-tagged with anti-Musk messages, dealership windows smashed, and in more severe instances, cars torched.
When Protests Turn Violent
Police departments in some of the various states indicated that they had arrested individuals who are linked to anti-Tesla protests. Three of the protesters in Detroit were arrested after they allegedly tried chaining themselves outside one of the Tesla stores. In Austin, pro-Musk counter-protesters encountered the protesters, and the outcome was further arrests.
More troubling are reports of firebombing at a Tesla service center in Portland, as well as altercations between protesters and security personnel at several locations. Some protesters have been doxxed and threatened online, especially by right-wing figures who consider the protests to be politically driven attacks.
“We condemn any form of violence or destruction,” protest organizer Sarah Lin insists. “Our aim is to deliver a message through peaceful mass action—never to harm property or individuals.”
Musk’s Blazing Reply
Not one to hold his tongue, Musk has taken to social media to decry his critics as “worse than vandals” and fault them for propagating “violence-inducing propaganda.” His combative style has only exacerbated the conflict, each tweet fueling the fire rather than calming the tempest.
Tesla’s official response has been mixed by region. Some facilities have reportedly activated sprinkler systems to disperse protesters, while others have increased security presence. The company released a brief statement saying: “We respect the right to peaceful assembly but condemn any actions that endanger our employees or damage property.”
The Financial Fallout For Tesla investors, the timing is about as bad as it can get. The stock has shed over 50% in value since December 2024, erasing billions in market value. Sales are down precipitously in previously strong markets like California, and Cybertruck deliveries are postponed once more amid stories of quality issues.
Wall Street analysts are divided on the long-term impact.
“Tesla has survived controversies in the past,” notes financial analyst Devon Park. “But this time it’s different – it’s no longer a matter of Musk’s tweets. It’s about customers making a conscious decision to move away from the brand.”
Looking Ahead: Can Tesla Bounce Back?
With the global day of action looming, protest organizers and police are bracing for large-scale demonstrations. The question now is whether Tesla can distance its corporate brand from Musk’s increasingly polarizing political personality.
For some erstwhile Tesla enthusiasts, the answer is far from certain. “I’m still a believer in electric vehicles and renewable energy,” ex-Tesla investor Maya Collins says. “But I don’t want to support a company whose profits might fund policies that I fundamentally oppose.
” Whether Tesla survives this storm will be up to Musk himself. Will he continue to ramp up his political engagement or retreat back to Tesla’s core mission? For the time being, the company that was once the face of the transportation future is caught in a contemporary political crossfire, without a clear way out. As protest signs appear and Tesla’s shares drop, one thing is for sure: the coming weeks will be decisive to the destiny of a company that once appeared invincible.
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