Tesla showrooms become battlegrounds in Anti-DOGE uprising: Elon Musk boycott gains momentum amid tesla dealership vandalism
Anti-DOGE protests have erupted across the United States, targeting Tesla stores and calling for a boycott of the automaker. Demonstrators are opposing Elon Musk’s influence in Washington and his proposed government spending cuts under President Trump’s administration.
The protests have grown in size and intensity, leading to incidents of vandalism and arrests. Some Tesla owners have also reported damage to their vehicles.
The movement, known as “Tesla Takedown,” has gained traction in major cities, with over 50 protests recorded in locations such as New York City, Boston, Tucson, and Palo Alto. Protesters accuse Musk of manipulating government policy to serve his business interests while cutting federal programs.
Some see this as a direct attack on democracy, arguing that Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) undermines congressional authority.
Tesla Showrooms Become Protest Hubs
Tesla dealerships have become ground zero for the protests, with demonstrators urging consumers to boycott the brand. Some protesters have gone a step further, vandalizing stores and cars with slogans like “Nazi cars.” A Colorado dealership suffered a Molotov cocktail attack, leading to an arrest. In New York City, police detained nine individuals following a tense standoff outside a Tesla showroom.
Amid the protests, some Tesla owners have faced harassment on highways. Reports suggest that several vehicle owners have resorted to using bumper stickers to distance themselves from Elon Musk’s political activities. Jewish organizations have also raised alarms about an increase in antisemitic incidents linked to the demonstrations.
The Fallout: Tesla’s Stock Takes a Hit
The protests and negative media coverage have taken a toll on Tesla’s stock. Since Trump took office, the company’s share price has fallen nearly 30%, though it remains higher than its value a year ago. Vehicle registrations in California have declined over the past five quarters, reflecting a potential dip in consumer confidence. Some investors are reevaluating their positions, fearing long-term reputational damage.
Despite these challenges, Musk remains one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with an estimated net worth of $359 billion. His response to the protests has been defiant, stating that DOGE enjoys widespread public approval.
Public Sentiment and Political Consequences
The protesters argue that corporate interests are best served by the actions of Musk as much as above-the-board welfare. The critics omnipresently argue that institutional severance between Musk and Tesla might have played to the advantage of Doge-linked political juggling.
Meanwhile, liberal activists believe that very prolonged protests would dissuade most people from buying Tesla products and would affect investors’ affinity to the company.
Musk’s chairmanship of DOGE has brought with him sweeping changes, including the shutting down of many governmental programs along with thousands of jobs cut. The administration defends these moves as necessary measures to cut costs, but the opponents deem them as executive overreach.
Visible protests will continue, as protests are already planned for England, Spain and Portugal. The pressure seems to mount on Tesla, thus not-so-clear future consequences to the company. Whether it will affect future sales and investor confidence remains to be seen, although the drama around Musk’s political activity is far from over.
