Tesla is facing significant protests across the country as groups rally against CEO Elon Musk's political influence and his involvement in reshaping US government operations.
Organized under the hashtag #TeslaTakeover, protesters gathered outside Tesla showrooms nationwide on February 15, voicing their concerns about Musk's role in federal affairs, particularly through his controversial initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The protests, which have gained momentum on social media platforms like Bluesky, were organized by a coalition of activists, including the Seattle-based group The Troublemakers and the Disruption Project.
According to Mashable, the protesters' signs carried strong messages such as "Stop the broligarchy" and "DOGE is a criminal enterprise," with some urging potential buyers to "dump your stock" and "sell your Teslas." Their rallying cry is clear: they believe Musk's involvement in government is damaging to democracy.
"This isn't just about voicing our anger at Elon Musk's unelected takeover, it's about letting our friends and neighbors know that buying, owning, charging, and servicing a Tesla directly supports him," one Bluesky user stated, echoing the sentiment of many protesters.
Elon Musk's DOGE Project Sparks Widespread Backlash
The protests were not isolated to major cities alone. Smaller demonstrations occurred in places like Washington DC, Pittsburgh, and Lyndhurst, Ohio, with protesters braving cold weather to voice their opposition.
One of the largest gatherings took place in Berkeley, California, where over 200 people rallied against Musk's increasing influence on government decisions, BBC News said.
At the heart of the protests is Musk's efforts through DOGE, which involves sending teams into various government agencies to comb through financial data and reduce spending.
Critics argue that his actions amount to an unconstitutional overreach and undermine democratic processes.
Some, like Berkeley protester Linda Koistinen, expressed deep concern about Musk's interference in government operations. "He should not be deciding the fate of our democracy by disassembling our government piece by piece," Koistinen remarked.
Alongside the protests, public figures have joined the growing movement, including singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, who posted a video on Instagram showing her Tesla being towed away.
Crow made it clear that she could no longer support a company associated with Musk's actions, saying, "There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with."
Meanwhile, Tesla's stock has taken a hit, losing 30% of its value since the peak in December 2024.
Some analysts suggest that the protests and public backlash, combined with Musk's ongoing involvement in government affairs, could further affect the company's financial stability.
As protests continue, it remains clear that Musk's political influence is a growing point of contention, with many questioning whether his actions are putting democracy at risk.
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