Protesters targeting billionaire Elon Musk’s purge of the US government demonstrated outside Tesla dealerships throughout the US and in some cities in Europe on Saturday, hoping to dent the fortune of the world’s richest man.
Protesters against Elon Musk’s purge of the US government swarmed Tesla showrooms across the US and in Europe, with crowds ranging from a few dozen to hundreds gathered at locations in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other major cities. The protesters, including some wearing signs that read “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Fight the billionaire broligarchy,” were trying to escalate a movement targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles.
Musk’s role as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has led to concerns about his access to sensitive data and the impact on government spending. The biggest portion of Musk’s estimated $340 billion fortune consists of his stock in Tesla, which continues to run while also working alongside Trump.
The protests were part of a growing movement targeting Tesla, with some vandalism reported, including a fire that destroyed seven Teslas in northwestern Germany. However, the majority of protesters have called for peaceful demonstrations.
Musk maintains that the company’s future remains bright, despite an extended slump in new sales and concerns about his alliance with Trump. He predicts that Tesla will sell over 10 million cars worldwide by next year.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Rep. Pramila Jaypal, have joined forces to organize protests and rallies against Musk’s actions. The movement, known as the “Tesla Takedown,” aims to raise awareness about the issues surrounding Tesla and its CEO.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how they will impact Musk’s fortune and the future of Tesla.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-doge-protests-a07cb5f20d65d0fb4dcb3547e2b7879c