Tesla is under fire across the globe as protesters stage demonstrations against CEO Elon Musk’s political influence in the Trump administration. Organisers behind the “Tesla Takedown” movement are preparing for what they call their largest protest day yet, with hundreds of non-violent rallies planned this Saturday.
What Is the Tesla Takedown Movement?
Tesla Takedown is a grassroots campaign involving thousands of people from around the world. Their aim is to reduce Elon Musk’s power by targeting his wealth — mainly linked to Tesla, the electric vehicle company.
The movement encourages people to:
- Sell their Tesla cars and shares
- Boycott Tesla products
- Join peaceful protests at Tesla stores and events
The campaign is deeply tied to Musk’s support for Trump-era policies and his leadership role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which critics claim is focused on dismantling public institutions.
Why Are People Protesting Elon Musk?
Activists say Musk is responsible for hurting government systems, promoting far-right ideas, and supporting policies that weaken worker protections and diversity. His controversial behaviour includes:
- A salute gesture during Trump’s Inauguration that some interpreted as a Nazi symbol
- Public attacks on diversity programs
- Support for right-wing political groups
Many now see Musk as more than just a tech CEO — they see him as a political influencer helping shape U.S. government actions in ways that harm the public.
Impact on Tesla’s Business
Since Musk’s increased political involvement:
- Tesla stock has seen a drop in value
- Sales have slowed
- Public trust in the brand is declining
While some of this decline is due to growing competition in the electric vehicle (EV) industry and the global economy, critics believe Musk’s political actions have contributed to the slump.
Ironically, Tesla might benefit from Trump’s new 25% import tariffs on foreign cars, as the company manufactures its vehicles within the U.S. This could give Tesla an edge over international competitors, even as its reputation suffers.
Violence and Vandalism Around Tesla
While Tesla Takedown organisers promote non-violent protests, some actions have turned violent:
- Tesla cars and charging stations have been vandalised
- In some cases, arson has occurred
- Swastikas have been spray-painted on Tesla vehicles
Organisers have strongly condemned these actions, saying they stand only for peaceful resistance.
Musk Accuses Activist Without Evidence
One of the leading organisers in Seattle, Valerie Costa, became the target of Elon Musk’s online accusations. He claimed she was “committing crimes” and suggested her environmental group was secretly funded by Democrats, without offering proof.
After his comments, Costa received threats from Musk supporters, which she described as scary and baseless.
“When someone as powerful as Elon Musk says you’ve committed a crime, the truth doesn’t matter anymore,” she told NPR.
Protesters Want to Tarnish Tesla’s Image
The ultimate goal of the Tesla Takedown movement is to weaken Musk’s influence by hitting his brand reputation. Protesters believe that if the Tesla name is no longer cool or desirable, Musk will lose the power he currently enjoys in politics.
“Trump only likes Musk because he’s rich,” said Joel Lava, an organiser in Los Angeles. “If Musk becomes just another ordinary billionaire, even Trump will stop caring.”
The Tesla Takedown movement reflects growing public frustration with the mix of business and politics. While Elon Musk remains a symbol of innovation to some, to others, he now represents the danger of unchecked power and political influence.
Through global protests, the movement hopes to send a strong message: the people still have a voice, and corporate leaders should be held accountable — not just for business practices, but for political actions too.