Activists are targeting Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company Tesla amid sweeping job cuts ordered by President Donald Trump. The protests, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown,” aim to pressure Musk and make the brand a symbol of Trump’s policies. Chanting slogans outside Tesla dealerships in Portland, Oregon, demonstrators call for action against the company.
Protestors believe that every economic move targeting Elon Musk is beneficial, as seen by Fry, who called on her state’s retirement system to divest its Tesla stock. The protests are part of a growing movement of activism in the early weeks of Trump’s second administration.
Musk’s role in canceling contracts at the U.S. Agency for International Development and overseeing thousands of federal worker layoffs has sparked concern over his leadership style and potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that Musk is overstepping his authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
A recent poll showed that more voters who supported former President Joe Biden had an unfavorable opinion of Tesla compared to those who supported Trump. This suggests that Musk’s vocal role in politics may be alienating potential customers.
Despite this, Tesla remains a valuable company with a market value of nearly $900 billion. However, the brand has faced criticism from some Democrats for its association with Trump’s policies, making it a natural target for protesters.
Source: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/03/06/breaking-news/anti-musk-activists-push-tesla-takedown-amid-job-cut-anger