Washington, DC [US]: Demonstrators across the United States and Europe have staged protests outside Tesla dealerships, voicing their opposition to billionaire Elon Musk’s role in the US government, Al Jazeera reported.
Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been criticized for advocating government spending cuts and allegedly gaining access to sensitive data.
The protests, spearheaded by a coalition of disgruntled Tesla owners, celebrities, and a Democratic lawmaker, are aimed at pressuring Musk to step down from his government position. Saturday’s demonstrations marked the first large-scale, coordinated effort to protest at all 277 Tesla locations in the US, as per Al Jazeera.
Protests Spread Across the US and Europe
In New York City, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Manhattan Tesla store, demanding Musk’s resignation. The protests coincide with a reported decline in Tesla sales, which organizers hope to accelerate further.
Environmental activists from Planet Over Profit led the movement, arguing that “stopping Musk will save lives and protect our democracy.”
For Amy Neifeld, a 70-year-old psychologist, Musk’s influence in the government is deeply concerning.
“I’m Jewish, and I grew up with a deep awareness of what fascism is. And it’s only gotten worse since the election” of Donald Trump,” Neifeld told AFP.
“We have to do something very quickly because he’s moving very quickly,” she added.
In London, about two dozen protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership, holding signs condemning Musk, while passing vehicles honked in support. One sign depicted Musk alongside Adolf Hitler making a Nazi salute—a reference to allegations that Musk had mimicked the gesture following Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Escalation of Vandalism and Musk’s Response
Beyond peaceful demonstrations, some Musk critics have resorted to vandalism, setting Tesla vehicles on fire and damaging property. US Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned these acts as “domestic terrorism.”
During a March 20 company meeting, Musk expressed disbelief over the attacks, urging perpetrators to “stop acting psycho.”