Overview
- Tesla dealerships, vehicles, and charging stations across the U.S. have been targeted with vandalism, including Molotov cocktails, gunfire, and arson, in response to Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration.
- Protesters accuse Musk of using his position in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to enact drastic federal workforce cuts and dismantle government programs, leading to widespread backlash.
- Musk has alleged that Democratic donors, including George Soros and Reid Hoffman, are funding the protests through ActBlue-linked groups, though evidence for these claims remains unverified.
- Demonstrations have ranged from peaceful rallies to violent attacks, with several arrests reported during protests at Tesla showrooms, including a major incident in Manhattan over the weekend.
- Tesla's sales and stock value have declined globally, with critics citing Musk's controversial political actions as damaging the company's brand and alienating customers.