Violent attacks on Tesla dealerships have surged since Elon Musk took a prominent role in President Donald Trump’s administration. The US and overseas, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations, and privately owned cars have been targeted. While no injuries have been reported, law enforcement is busy responding to the incidents.
Musk critics have organized peaceful demonstrations, but anti-Musk sentiment has also led to vandalism. In Canada, Tesla was removed from an international auto show due to safety concerns. Experts say it’s unclear if these attacks will become a long-term pattern.
Tesla’s popularity among left-leaning groups waned when Musk allied himself with the right by buying Twitter and boosting Trump’s 2024 campaign. The company’s stock has since lost value. Despite this, Tesla owners are standing firm, with some even displaying bumper stickers expressing their affection for the brand.
The White House has vowed to crack down on the vandalism, calling it “domestic terror.” Attorney General Pam Bondi has opened an investigation into funding and coordination behind the attacks. Tesla owners say they won’t let vandalism deter them from driving their cars.
As law enforcement investigates these incidents, experts caution that left-wing political violence tends to target property rather than people. A more pressing threat is the rise of neo-Nazi groups.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/tesla-vandalism-musk-trump-domestic-extremism-7576c03393a733eaf34b793e86ad1a6f