Protesters against billionaire Elon Musk demonstrated outside Tesla dealerships across the United States and in several European cities on Saturday, targeting the electric vehicle company’s role under Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The protests mark a growing backlash against Musk’s efforts to slash government spending, which has sparked concerns about his influence over sensitive data.
The protesters, including disillusioned Tesla owners, celebrities, and Democratic lawmakers, aimed to escalate a movement targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles in opposition to Musk’s role as DOGE head. Demonstrations were held at 277 US showrooms and service centers, with smaller groups of counterprotesters also showing up at some sites.
Anti-Musk sentiment extends beyond the US, with protests held in over 230 locations worldwide. In Europe, protesters displayed signs lambasting the billionaire outside a dealership in London, with some even referencing Adolf Hitler’s Nazi salute. The Tesla Takedown movement, organized by supporters including John Cusack and Democratic lawmakers, aimed to raise awareness about Musk’s influence and the problems facing the country.
The protests come as Tesla faces declining sales and growing concerns about Musk’s leadership. Despite this, Musk maintains that the company’s future remains bright, predicting that it will sell over 10 million cars worldwide by next year. However, analysts warn that Musk must navigate a “brand tornado crisis” to turn around the company’s fortunes.
The protests have been met with varying reactions, from peaceful demonstrations to acts of vandalism, including a fire that destroyed seven Teslas in Germany. Police are investigating the incident, and Musk has urged the vandals to stop their destructive behavior.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/protests-against-elon-musks-role-in-trump-administration-swarm-tesla-showrooms