Washington, DC – Demonstrators convened at over 50 Tesla showrooms nationwide on Saturday in opposition of CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in dismantling government agencies as part of the Department of Government Efficiency initiated by President Donald Trump.
Protests were organized under the banner of “Tesla Takedown,” aiming to prompt stakeholders to divest from Tesla, sell their stock, and join the demonstrations. Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter, a key organizer, emphasized the objective of instigating a vote of no confidence from shareholders towards Musk.
The initial Tesla Takedown protest occurred on February 15 following discussions between Winter and sociologist Joan Donovan from Boston University. Musk, the wealthiest individual globally, assumed leadership of DOGE on January 20, sparking immediate criticism for his actions such as buyout offers to federal employees, layoffs, closure of the US Agency for International Development, and efforts to access sensitive payment systems.
The movement is gaining traction internationally, with protests taking place in Barcelona and upcoming ones scheduled in London, Lisbon, and Reykjavik. Winter expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting the ease of participating in protests during challenging times.
Protests differed in size, with notable turnouts in Boston, Portland, California, Florida, and Tucson. Voices chanting “Elon Musk has got to go” and motorists honking in solidarity characterized the demonstrations. Protester Peter Jones accentuated the empowering nature of collective action amid concerns over Musk’s investments and contracts.
Retiree Donna Powell, a frequent protester against the Trump administration and Musk’s involvement, stressed the desire to see Tesla’s stock decline and lawmakers assume responsibility. Musk’s diminishing net worth amid stock downturns illustrated potential consequences for Tesla.
While uncertain whether the Tesla Takedown movement will affect the company significantly, industry insights suggested minimal impact on sales or used car appraisals. The movement underscores public scrutiny of Musk’s dual roles and their potential implications for Tesla’s business operations.
Tesla’s decline in global sales for the first time in 12 years, coupled with recent sales downturns, underscores challenges in market dynamics and shifting consumer preferences. Competing in an evolving electric vehicle landscape, Tesla faces pressures to innovate and attract buyers amidst increasing industry competition.