Austin, Texas – Worldwide protests erupted on Saturday in response to Elon Musk’s collaboration with Donald Trump to dismantle the US federal government, drawing attention to nearly every Tesla showroom in the US and abroad. The demonstrations aimed to target Musk’s role as the CEO of the electric vehicle company by urging people to refrain from purchasing Tesla vehicles, sell off Tesla stocks, and join the “Tesla Takedown” movement.
Organizers of the protests emphasized the importance of hindering Tesla’s operations in order to put a stop to Musk’s influence. The global protests began in Australia and New Zealand before spreading across Europe, with rallies held in various countries including Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. Each protest was organized locally with unique themes aimed at highlighting concerns over Musk’s impact on democracy and societal well-being.
Critics of Musk have raised alarms about his management of the “department of government efficiency” (Doge), which has led to budget cuts and layoffs in various federal agencies in the US. Despite Musk’s claims that few employees have been terminated, his actions have sparked widespread backlash and scrutiny, prompting protests in cities like San Francisco, Austin, Berkeley, New York City, and Washington DC.
Protesters at the rallies voiced their opposition to what they perceive as a trend towards government overreach and oligarchy. Many expressed concerns about the implications of allowing individuals like Musk to exert significant influence over governmental affairs. The demonstrations also underscored the growing discontent with Musk’s perceived alignment with right-wing ideologies and his alleged support for far-right causes.
In response to the protests, Musk and Tesla remained silent, declining to comment on the demonstrations or the criticisms levied against them. The ongoing protests have underscored a broader trend of public discontent with the growing influence of tech billionaires and their perceived impact on government policies and societal values.
The demonstrations have also sparked debates about the appropriate means of protest, with organizers advocating for peaceful and non-violent resistance against Tesla and Musk. In the face of escalating tensions and incidents of vandalism against Tesla facilities, organizers have reiterated their commitment to non-violence and have distanced themselves from acts of violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests as a form of civil resistance.