Protesters gathered outside Tesla dealerships across the US, criticizing Elon Musk’s association with President Donald Trump and the administration’s efforts to cut government spending. Demonstrators carried placards likening the Trump administration to Nazis and warned that Musk’s ties could damage sales, particularly in liberal areas.
Musk is leading the “Department of Government Efficiency” and has faced criticism for dismantling government agencies and firing federal workers en masse. Some Tesla investors are concerned about the impact on sales, which have declined under his leadership. In response to Musk’s support for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party, German Tesla sales plummeted 60% year-on-year in January.
The protests highlight the risks of Musk’s right-wing agenda and potential backlash against the company. Some politicians, including Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats, have suggested imposing tariffs on Tesla cars as a response to the White House’s levies on steel imports. Tesla has not commented on the situation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/16/protesters-target-tesla-stores-in-us-over-elon-musks-cost-cutting