Protests against Elon Musk

In 2019, Musk received widespread backlash after he called the British cave diver, Vernon Unsworth a "pedo guy" in a later deleted tweet after he didn't accept Musk's help in the Tham Luang cave rescue. Unsworth sued Musk for defamation, where Musk was found innocent.{{Cite news |date=2019-12-06 |title=Elon Musk wins defamation case over 'pedo guy' tweet about caver |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50695593 |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=British Broadcasting Company |language=en-GB |archive-date=2025-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316191707/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50695593 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2019-12-05 |title=Cave diver tells court Elon Musk tweets 'humiliated' him |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50667553 |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=British Broadcasting Company |language=en-GB}}

In July 2020, Musk also received backlash for his statement on Twitter, "We will coup whoever we want! Deal with it." This statement is referring to the coup against Evo Morales Ayma, the former president of Bolivia, where Musk's company, Tesla had interests in the lithium deposits.{{Cite news |last=Vijay Prashad, Alejandro Bejarano |date=2020-07-28 |title='We will coup whoever we want': Elon Musk and the overthrow of democracy in Bolivia : Peoples Dispatch |url=https://peoplesdispatch.org/2020/07/28/we-will-coup-whoever-we-want-elon-musk-and-the-overthrow-of-democracy-in-bolivia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206183034/https://peoplesdispatch.org/2020/07/28/we-will-coup-whoever-we-want-elon-musk-and-the-overthrow-of-democracy-in-bolivia/ |archive-date=2025-02-06 |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=Peoples Dispatch |language=en-US |url-status=live }}

In June 2021, a handful of demonstrators protested outside the Tesla Fremont factory over Musk's involvement in cryptocurrency.{{Cite web |last=staff • • |first=NBC Bay Area |date=2021-06-06 |title=Group Protests Outside Tesla Factory Over Elon Musk's Involvement in Cryptocurrency |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/group-protests-outside-tesla-factory-over-elon-musks-involvement-in-cryptocurrency/2563386/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=NBC Bay Area |language=en-US}}

In February 2023, protesters gathered outside of Twitter headquarters following news of the Musk-led layoffs at the social media company.{{Cite web |title=Group Gathers Outside Twitter's SF Headquarters to Protest Elon Musk |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/group-gathers-outside-twitters-sf-headquarters-to-protest-elon-musk/3155045/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=NBC Bay Area |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724221335/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/group-gathers-outside-twitters-sf-headquarters-to-protest-elon-musk/3155045/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2023, Musk was criticized for his antisemitic conspiracy theories and antisemitic viewpoints that he shared on X (formerly Twitter). The statements were even condemned by then White House Press Secretary, Andrew Bates. Musk was also criticized for allowing the rise of antisemitism on X.{{Cite web |last=Morrow |first=Allison |date=2023-11-17 |title=Analysis: With antisemitic tweet, Elon Musk reveals his 'actual truth' {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/17/business/elon-musk-reveals-his-actual-truth/index.html |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2025-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319013842/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/17/business/elon-musk-reveals-his-actual-truth/index.html |url-status=live }}

In May 2024, hundreds of protesters opposed to the planned expansion of a German Tesla plant clashed with police after attempting to storm the electric vehicle manufacturing facility.{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Kari |date=2024-05-10 |title=Eight hundred protesters attempt to storm German Tesla factory |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/10/tesla-protest-germany-factory |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

{{See also|Response to the Department of Government Efficiency|Protests against the second presidency of Donald Trump}}

Many anti-Musk protests from early 2025 were organized under the banner of Tesla Takedown.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-02 |title=Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla stores target Elon Musk's bottom line |url=https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-protests-doge-3b3eba9313074ccf8e959a92486d900f |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=AP News |language=en}} A decentralized grassroots movement, Tesla Takedown coordinated peaceful demonstrations outside of Tesla showrooms.{{Cite web |last=Bacon |first=Auzinea |date=2025-03-22 |title=Backlash continues against Elon Musk's role with DOGE as demonstrations at Tesla showrooms enter fifth week {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/business/musk-doge-tesla-demonstrations/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322214751/https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/business/musk-doge-tesla-demonstrations/index.html |archive-date=2025-03-22 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=CNN |language=en}}

File:Congressional speeches at the Department of the Treasury.ogaOn February{{nbsp}}3, protesters gathered outside the Office of Personnel Management and indicated that they would continue to protest for the rest of the week in opposition to DOGE and Musk. The protestors said that Musk had illegally taken control of the government's infrastructure,{{Cite web |last=Music |first=Morgan |date=2025-02-03 |title=Protestors Plan for Week-Long Anti-Elon Musk Protests to Warn Others of His 'Illegal Decisions': 'Stop the Coup' |url=https://www.latintimes.com/protestors-plan-week-long-anti-elon-musk-protests-warn-others-his-illegal-decisions-stop-574517 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Latin Times |archive-date=2025-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213170829/https://www.latintimes.com/protestors-plan-week-long-anti-elon-musk-protests-warn-others-his-illegal-decisions-stop-574517 |url-status=live }} and raised concerns that Musk was an unelected foreign national who was potentially stealing sensitive information stored in federal computer servers.{{Cite web |last=Mayes-Osterman |first=Cybele |date=February 3, 2025 |title='Fork off': Protesters gather outside OPM to condemn Elon Musk 'stealing' personal data |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/03/elon-musk-takeover-protests/78178254007/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=USA TODAY |archive-date=2025-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213170829/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/03/elon-musk-takeover-protests/78178254007/ |url-status=live }}

File:Protest at a Tesla Dealership in Milford, Connecticut.jpg

On February 5, a rally was held in front of the Treasury Department, organized by word of mouth and social media, with initially 50 participants that grew into hundreds. Participants included federal workers, retirees and others who were alarmed and angry over Musk and DOGE's actions and its trajectory, chanting "Elon Musk has to go" and signs reading "No Trump, No Musk, No Fascist USA" and "Musk owns Trump". Democratic politicians including Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Representative Maxine Waters spoke at the protest.{{Cite web |last=Bensen |first=Jackie |date=2025-02-05 |title=Federal workers protest over DOGE access to Treasury Department Data |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/federal-workers-protest-over-doge-access-to-treasury-dept-data/3836406/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=NBC4 Washington |archive-date=2025-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213170830/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/federal-workers-protest-over-doge-access-to-treasury-dept-data/3836406/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Guldogan |first=Diyar |date=5 February 2025 |title=Hundreds gather in US capital to protest Elon Musk's government influence |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/hundreds-gather-in-us-capital-to-protest-elon-musk-s-government-influence/3472061 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=www.aa.com.tr |archive-date=2025-02-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212081341/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/hundreds-gather-in-us-capital-to-protest-elon-musk-s-government-influence/3472061 |url-status=live }}

In mid-February it was reported that Tesla owners were selling their vehicles in protest, with 31% of polled Tesla drivers saying that Musk's actions had led to them selling or considering selling their car.{{cite news |last=Cameron |first=Hugh |date=16 February 2025 |title=Tesla Owners Ditching Cars in Protest Over Elon Musk |url=https://www.newsweek.com/tesla-owners-ditching-cars-protest-elon-musk-2031923 |work=NewsWeek |access-date=24 March 2025}} On March 14, Senator Mark Kelly posted a video on Twitter stating that he would also be selling his Tesla, as it was "built and designed by an asshole".{{cite news |last=Bolton |first=Alexander |date=March 14, 2025 |title=Sen. Mark Kelly ditching his Tesla: 'Built and designed by an a‑‑hole' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5195294-senator-mark-kelly-ditches-tesla/ |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=The Hill |archive-date=March 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250314192653/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5195294-senator-mark-kelly-ditches-tesla/ |url-status=live }}

In March 2025, a website called DogeQuest was published, which published addresses alleged to belong to American owners of Tesla vehicles and DOGE employees.{{Cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Joseph |last2=Koebler · |first2=Jason |date=2025-03-18 |title='Dogequest' Site Claims to Dox Tesla Owners Across the U.S. |url=https://www.404media.co/dogequest-site-claims-to-dox-tesla-owners-across-the-u-s/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=404 Media |language=en |archive-date=2025-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318010638/https://www.404media.co/dogequest-site-claims-to-dox-tesla-owners-across-the-u-s/ |url-status=live }}

On March 11, twenty-three New York State Senators sent a letter to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli urging him to divest the New York State pension fund from Tesla, stating that, "Given Tesla's ongoing volatility and significant profit decline, we should seriously evaluate the risks of continued investment and its impact on the pension fund's stability."{{Cite web |last=Fahy |first=Patricia |title=23 Senators sign letter to NYS Comptroller recommending divestment from troubled company |url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/patricia-fahy/ny-state-senators-urge-comptroller-dinapoli-begin/ |website=New York State Senate}}

File:Richard Blumenthal mingling with protesters (cropped).jpg

On March 22, a chapter of Indivisible organized a protest outside a Tesla Dealership in Milford, Connecticut; around 300 people were seen at it. Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke at the protest, asking them to continue and praising Senator Chuck Schumer.{{Cite news |last=Zahn |first=Brian |date=March 22, 2025 |title=Hundreds protest outside Milford Tesla showroom Saturday |url=https://www.milfordmirror.com/news/article/milford-tesla-protest-elon-musk-trump-doge-20233831.php |access-date=March 22, 2025 |work=The Milford Mirror}}

In March, the protest group, Led By Donkeys used a harrow dragged by a Tesla car to etch the slogan "Don't buy a Tesla", along with Musk doing a gesture that was described as a "Nazi gesture" by the etcher on Black Rock Sands beach, North Wales.{{Cite web |last=Spirlet |first=Thibault |title=Activists used a Tesla to write 'Don't buy a Tesla' on a beach in Wales |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-tesla-activisits-protest-message-beach-led-by-donkeys-2025-3 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318140056/https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-tesla-activisits-protest-message-beach-led-by-donkeys-2025-3 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2025 Tesla vandalism|2025 Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion}}

File:Burn More Teslas.jpg

Cases of significant vandalism of Tesla property, including the defacing of 34 Cybertrucks in Florida, USA, started as early as December 2024.{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=2024-06-24 |title=Dozens of Tesla Cybertrucks vandalized by someone who really doesn't like Elon Musk |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/24/24184698/tesla-cybertruck-vandal-deface-elon-musk |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}} Following initial reports regarding the controversial activities of DOGE, vandalism of Tesla properties spiked.{{Cite news |first1=Jonathan J. |last1=Cooper |first2=Gene |last2=Johnson |date=2025-03-19 |title=Violent attacks on Tesla dealerships spike as Musk takes prominent role in Trump White House |url=https://apnews.com/article/tesla-vandalism-musk-trump-domestic-extremism-7576c03393a733eaf34b793e86ad1a6f |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2025-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322175814/https://apnews.com/article/tesla-vandalism-musk-trump-domestic-extremism-7576c03393a733eaf34b793e86ad1a6f |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Dara |last2=Robins-Early |first2=Nick |date=2025-03-15 |title=Eggings, swastikas and dog poop: Tesla bears brunt of people's ire against Musk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/15/vandalized-tesla-elon-musk-trump |access-date=2025-03-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

A Tesla store in Loveland, Colorado, was damaged multiple times in late January and February. In Salem, Oregon, on January 20, witnesses stated that Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Tesla store sparking two fires doing an estimated half million in damages. Then, on February 19, the windows were damaged by bullets at the Salem Tesla store. On March 2, twelve Teslas were set on fire at a store in Toulouse, France, destroying eight vehicles and damaging four. Seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire near Boston on March 3. On March 6, at least seven shots were fired at a Tesla store in Tigard, Oregon.{{Cite news |last=Isidore |first=Chris |title='Tesla faces vandalism and protests amid backlash against Elon Musk' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/10/business/tesla-vandalism-protest-stock/index.html |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite news |title='Oregon Tesla dealership shot at; damaged by gunfire, shattered glass' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/07/oregon-tesla-dealership-shot-at-vandalized/81915814007/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=USA Today |language=en |archive-date=2025-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308082839/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/07/oregon-tesla-dealership-shot-at-vandalized/81915814007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title='Tesla sites hit by arson amid DOGE cuts, Elon Musk backlash' |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/tesla-cars-power-stations-elon-musk-b2709001.html |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=The Independent |language=en}}

On March 24, police found "incendiary" devices inside a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas on Monday morning. Other outlets have described the devices as explosive in nature. The APD Bomb squad responded and released a statement that "The devices, which were determined to be incendiary, were taken into police custody without incident." Police stated that "The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is working to identify the individual or group behind this act of violence."https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/explosive-devices-found-in-tesla-showroom-amid-musk-threats/ar-AA1BzBQW?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1{{cite news|last=Hawkinson|first=Katie|date=March 24, 2025|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/tesla-bomb-squad-elon-musk-texas-b2720740.html|title=Tesla showroom targeted with 'incendiary devices' in latest attack on Musk's company|work=The Independent}}

{{Incomplete|subsection|Trump's statements alleging domestic terrorism charges in the first place|date=March 2025}}

On March 20, 2025, NPR reported that the arrest of three people who had vandalized Tesla dealerships and charging stations raised the question of whether or not such actions constituted domestic terrorism. NPR reported that these cases had included "using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations and possessing other 'incendiary devices' and a suppressed AR-15 rifle." NPR stated, "While no one has been injured or killed by these attacks, three professors and researchers of domestic terrorism and extremism tell NPR that they consider these cases to be acts of domestic terrorism." Bruce Hoffman, senior fellow for counterterrorism and homeland security at the Council on Foreign Relations said, "It's absolutely domestic terrorism. I know that may discomfort many people. But vandalism is a crime that if it's committed with a political motive, can certainly be defined as terrorism."[https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5333315/tesla-attacks-ag-bondi-domestic-terrorism-trump-musk 3 people face federal charges for Tesla attacks. Are such acts domestic terrorism?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320225129/https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5333315/tesla-attacks-ag-bondi-domestic-terrorism-trump-musk |date=2025-03-20 }}, NPR, March 20, 2025, [https://archive.today/20250320214317/https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5333315/tesla-attacks-ag-bondi-domestic-terrorism-trump-musk Archive]

On March 21, Trump reiterated his belief that Tesla vandals were terrorists, comparing the vandalism to the January 6 United States Capitol attack and claiming that "nobody was killed" during the Capitol riot aside from Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol police while attempting to breach the Speaker's Lobby. However, several Capitol police officers died by suicide in the weeks following the riot and roughly 140 officers were injured during the attack. No deaths or serious injuries had been reported in connection with the Tesla protests.{{cite news|last=Ewing|first=Giselle Ruhiyyih|date=March 21, 2025|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/21/donald-trump-tesla-attack-027021|title=Trump downplays Jan. 6 by suggesting Tesla arson attacks are more serious|work=Politico|access-date=March 22, 2025|archive-date=March 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322133556/https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/21/donald-trump-tesla-attack-027021|url-status=live}}

When questioned about the vandalism while speaking with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Musk claimed without evidence that the vandalism and violence were originating from Democrats. He stated, "It's really come as quite a shock to me, this violence from the left. I thought the Democrats were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring, and yet they're burning down cars, and firing bullets into dealerships{{nbsp}}... Tesla is a peaceful company. We've never done anything harmful, I've never done anything harmful. I've always done productive things." Musk further added how he believed there was a "mental illness thing going on", and suggested that the perpetrators were being led by a "larger force" who was funding and coordinating the violence. Law enforcement and domestic terrorism experts have found no evidence that the attacks are coordinated.{{cite news|last1=Collier|first1=Kevin|last2=Kosnar|first2=Michael|date=March 21, 2025|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-musk/tesla-vandalism-not-coordinated-trump-musk-claims-rcna197369|title=No evidence of coordinated vandalism of Teslas despite Musk and Trump claims|publisher=NBC News|access-date=March 21, 2025}}

Musk also alleged that the violence was caused by individuals upset with being denied benefits that were obtained fraudulently, claiming that "... when you take away the money they're receiving fraudulently, they get very upset{{nbsp}}... They basically want to kill me because I'm stopping their fraud and they want to hurt Tesla because we're stopping this terrible waste and corruption in the government. And well, I guess they're bad people. Bad people do bad things."{{Cite web |last=Rissman |first=Kelly |date=2025-03-19 |title=Elon Musk mocked for 'woe is me' interview on Hannity |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/elon-musk-mocked-hannity-tesla-b2717970.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

Musk also alleged that transgender people were behind the incidents, saying that, "The probability of a trans person being violent appears to be vastly higher than non-trans."{{Cite web |last=Reilly |first=Liam |date=2025-03-21 |title=Musk links trans people to Tesla attacks the same day his estranged daughter criticizes him in Teen Vogue interview {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/20/media/vivian-wilson-teen-vogue-criticism-musk-tesla-trans/index.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=CNN |language=en}}

File:Dinadam - February 2025 - Sarah Stierch (cropped).jpg

In March 2025 it was reported that some Tesla owners were putting bumper stickers on their cars to clarify to others that despite driving a Tesla, they do not support Musk.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/tesla-owners-adding-anti-elon-224310999.html|title="Perfect For The Regretful Tesla Owner": People Are Adding Anti-Elon Stickers To Their Teslas, And It's Sparking A Ton Of Debate|author=Morgan Sloss|publisher=BuzzFeed|date=March 17, 2025|access-date=March 27, 2025|archive-date=March 23, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323003802/https://www.yahoo.com/news/tesla-owners-adding-anti-elon-224310999.html|url-status=live}}

{{Clear}}

{{Commonscatinline}}

{{Second presidency of Donald Trump}}{{United States Department of Government Efficiency|state=autocollapse}}{{Elon Musk|state=autocollapse}}

Category:Elon Musk

Category:Protests in the United States

Category:Terrorism in the United States

Category:Tesla, Inc.

Category:Protests against the second presidency of Donald Trump