Protesters opposing billionaire Elon Musk’s influence in the U.S. government under President Donald Trump demonstrated outside Tesla dealerships across the U.S. and in some European cities on Saturday. The demonstrations aimed to impact the fortune of the world’s richest man by targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles. Musk’s role as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has granted him access to sensitive data and the authority to close entire agencies in pursuit of slashing government spending.
This marked the first attempt to surround all 277 of Tesla’s U.S. showrooms and service centers to deepen a recent decline in the company’s sales. Crowds ranging from dozens to hundreds gathered at Tesla locations in various states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas. Social media posts showed protesters holding signs such as “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Fight the billionaire broligarchy.”
As the protests spread nationwide, smaller groups of counterprotesters also appeared at some sites. In Dublin, California, several dozen people chanted slogans outside a showroom, while in nearby Berkeley, a larger crowd circled another showroom, chanting to drum beats.
Anti-Musk sentiment extends beyond the U.S., with protests occurring at over 230 locations worldwide. Although European turnouts were smaller, the sentiment remained similar. In London, about two dozen people held signs criticizing Musk, with one depicting him alongside Adolf Hitler.
The Tesla Takedown movement was organized by a group including disillusioned Tesla owners, celebrities, and lawmakers. Despite some vandalism incidents, Musk remains confident in Tesla’s future, predicting continued growth in vehicle sales.
— new from PBS NewsHour