A protest outside a New York City Tesla dealership on Saturday has turned violent, with nine people arrested. The demonstration was part of a nationwide wave of “Tesla Takedown” protests targeting billionaire Elon Musk over his role in reducing the federal workforce. Musk is leading President Donald Trump’s push to shrink the government, resulting in the firing of thousands of employees and termination of hundreds of aid contracts.
The protests, which involved hundreds of people, took place at Tesla showrooms in multiple cities across the country, including Jacksonville, Florida, and Tucson, Arizona. Protests were marked by chants, signs reading “Burn a Tesla: Save Democracy,” and blockages of traffic. Musk’s flagship company has faced calls to dump stock and join picket lines.
The protests are part of a growing movement against Trump’s administration, with at least 100,000 federal employees having agreed to buy-outs or been fired since his inauguration on January 20. Musk’s actions have been criticized for their impact on key government roles, including those responsible for nuclear safety, fighting bird flu, and supplying electricity.
The protests are seen as a response to Trump’s push for what some call “government efficiency.” Critics argue that this effort prioritizes money and power over public services. The movement has gained momentum, with actor Alex Winter helping organize the events.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nine-arrested-new-york-tesla-dealership-anti-musk-protests-break-out-2025-03-02