Tesla Faces Worldwide Protests as Critics Target Elon Musk’s Political Influence
March 29, 2025 | Various Locations
Tesla, Inc. and its CEO, Elon Musk, are facing a wave of global protests as demonstrators voice opposition to Musk’s political involvement and alleged influence over government policies. The protests, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown,” have sparked demonstrations outside Tesla dealerships in major cities across the United States and around the world.
Protests in Major Cities
On March 29, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered outside Tesla showrooms in New York, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as international locations such as London, Berlin, Paris, and Dublin.
- In San Francisco, hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside a Tesla showroom, chanting slogans against Musk’s reported influence in U.S. politics.
- In New York City, protesters marched from Times Square to a Tesla dealership, calling for boycotts of Tesla products.
- Berlin saw a large demonstration near Tesla’s Gigafactory, where environmental activists joined the movement, citing concerns over Musk’s impact on local regulations.
A similar protest took place in Michigan, where approximately 400 demonstrators, mostly retirees, expressed concerns over threats to democracy.
Why Are Protesters Targeting Tesla?
The protests are centered around Musk’s involvement in political affairs, particularly his leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration. Critics argue that Musk’s influence has led to significant budget cuts in federal agencies, impacting social programs and environmental regulations.
Additionally, activists claim Musk’s growing influence in AI development, space exploration, and defense contracts raises ethical concerns about corporate control over public policy.
Reports of Vandalism and Clashes
While most protests have been peaceful, some incidents of vandalism and violence have been reported.
- In Los Angeles, several Tesla vehicles parked near a dealership were defaced with anti-Musk slogans.
- In Chicago, minor clashes broke out between protesters and Tesla supporters, leading to police intervention.
Authorities have stated that while peaceful demonstrations are permitted, any acts of vandalism or violence will result in legal action.
Impact on Tesla’s Stock and Business
The protests have coincided with a sharp decline in Tesla’s stock price, with shares falling 31% year-to-date. Investors are concerned about potential damage to Tesla’s brand reputation, especially as some longtime Tesla owners consider selling their vehicles in response to the movement.
Industry analysts suggest that Tesla may need to address public concerns through corporate transparency measures or risk further market backlash.
Political and Organizational Support
The protests have drawn support from various public figures and advocacy groups, including:
- Planet Over Profit, a youth-led climate organization that co-sponsored protests in San Francisco.
- State Senator Scott Wiener (D-CA), who voiced support for the demonstrations, stating they highlight the importance of corporate accountability.
Despite the backlash, Tesla has not yet released an official statement regarding the protests.
What’s Next?
Organizers behind the “Tesla Takedown” movement have indicated that more protests may follow in the coming months. Activists are calling for stricter regulations on corporate political influence and urging consumers to reconsider purchasing Tesla products.
As tensions continue to rise, the global response to Musk’s political role remains a significant issue for Tesla and its stakeholders.
