Protesters from Chester County, Pennsylvania, joined hundreds of others worldwide in demonstrating against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his policies as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The movement comes amid a surge in vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles.
In Devon, over 400 people gathered to show their disapproval, waving signs and cheering as they responded to beeps from passing drivers. Organizers said it’s the sixth or seventh Saturday of the grassroots protest at the local Tesla dealership, with attendees expressing concerns about Musk’s influence on government policies and the Trump administration’s actions.
Janet Gilbert, an organizer, stated that she thinks Musk is a “very negative influence” for the country, citing his perceived attempt to bribe voters in Pennsylvania. She also expressed worry about potential privatization of Social Security and Medicare, stating that many people rely on these programs for survival.
The protests coincide with reports of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, including an incident where four juveniles were accused of trashing a Cybertruck. The FBI announced it is launching a task force to address “domestic terrorism” targeting Tesla vehicles and owners.
Despite the incidents, Gilbert said she condemns the vandalism and believes that peaceful protest should be encouraged. She emphasized the positive atmosphere at the demonstrations, where people are making friends and coming together.
The movement highlights concerns about Musk’s influence on government policies and the Trump administration’s actions. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how they will impact Tesla’s operations and Musk’s reputation.
Source: https://whyy.org/articles/chester-county-tesla-protest-elon-musk-donald-trump