Protesters across the US and internationally targeted Tesla facilities on Saturday as part of a “global day of action” against CEO Elon Musk, who has been at the center of controversy for his ties to the Trump administration. The event, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown,” saw demonstrations in over 253 cities worldwide, with organizers calling it a decentralized movement driven by grassroots groups and individuals.
Protesters, including Phil Ansell, 65, and Francine Coeytaux, 72, cited concerns over democracy and Social Security benefits as main reasons for participating. Ansell described President Trump and Musk as “acting like kings,” while Coeytaux highlighted the importance of Social Security to her daughter’s life.
The protests coincided with a slump in Tesla sales and shares following Musk’s recent actions. While some analysts attribute the decline to broader market factors, others question whether Musk’s involvement is a key contributor. Meanwhile, anti-Musk violence has increased, including arson and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities.
Tesla Takedown organizers emphasize that their peaceful protests aim to chip away at Musk’s power by tarnishing Tesla’s brand. They point to the billionaire’s support for far-right parties and his attacks on diversity as evidence of their grievances. The movement seeks to highlight the influence of wealthy individuals like Musk on politics, particularly those with ties to the Trump administration.
As the “Tesla Takedown” movement gains momentum, it remains unclear whether these protests will bring about significant change. However, organizers say that by targeting Tesla and Musk directly, they hope to demonstrate their ability to effect change through collective action.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/03/29/nx-s1-5343986/anti-musk-protests-planned-worldwide