Boston, Massachusetts – Demonstrators gathered outside Tesla stores nationwide on Saturday to protest CEO Elon Musk’s alignment with President Donald Trump and their efforts to cut government spending. The protests stem from growing backlash in North America and Europe against Musk’s influence in Washington, particularly impacting Tesla, the world’s most valuable automaker. Liberal groups have organized anti-Tesla demonstrations aimed at challenging Musk’s role in government efficiency and inspiring opposition to the current administration.
Critics of Musk argue that his actions, such as slashing federal spending and scaling back the workforce, bypass Congress’s control over the U.S. budget and raise concerns about self-enrichment. Musk’s involvement in various companies, including SpaceX and the social media platform X, has amplified scrutiny over his influence within government circles.
Despite multiple demonstrations taking place across the U.S., including in cities like Tucson, St. Louis, and New York City, Tesla and the White House have not issued any comments in response to the protests. The website Tesla Takedown listed over 50 demonstrations on Saturday, with plans for more protests throughout March across the United States and in European countries like England, Spain, and Portugal.
Reports have surfaced of Tesla owners facing vandalism, including spray-painted swastikas on their vehicles, sparking concerns about a rise in antisemitism. In Colorado, a woman faces charges related to vandalism at a Tesla dealership, which involved throwing Molotov cocktails and defacing the building with anti-Semitic messages.
In Boston, demonstrators gathered with signs mocking Musk and calling for accountability within the government. The protests aimed to draw attention to what many perceive as a government drifting off course under the leadership of Trump and Musk, advocating for change and accountability. In New York City, about 300 protesters gathered at a Tesla dealership, leading to nine people being taken into custody by the police.
Following Trump’s tenure, Tesla’s stock prices have declined, though they remain higher compared to a year ago. Musk’s current net worth stands at an estimated $359 billion, according to Forbes, projecting a decrease to $195 billion by 2024. The protests underscore a broader sentiment against Musk’s ties to the government and urge for greater oversight and accountability in decision-making processes.