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Protests and Vandalism Escalate Against Tesla Over Elon Musk's Government Role

Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump has triggered nationwide demonstrations and violent attacks on Tesla facilities.

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Peter Baughman, left, and Sharon Baughman, right protest against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump's firing of federal workers, at a rally with about 200 other protestors, in front of City Hall on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in San Antonio. The protest was organized by Bexar Democrats and 50501 to protest against the firing of federal workers and executive order overreach.

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.