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Global protests erupted on Saturday, with thousands rallying against Elon Musk and his collaboration with Donald Trump aimed at reshaping the U.S. federal government. Demonstrations were staged outside nearly every Tesla showroom across the United States and in many other countries, marking a collective effort to challenge Musk’s influence as the leader of the electric vehicle enterprise.
Organizers of the protests encouraged participants to follow three main actions: refrain from purchasing Tesla vehicles, divest from Tesla stocks, and get involved in the “Tesla Takedown” initiative.
One of the movement’s slogans captures their purpose succinctly: “Hurting Tesla is stopping Musk. Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy.”
Elon Musk, recognized as the wealthiest individual globally, is at the helm of what he describes as the “department of government efficiency” (Doge), a role that involves significant cuts to federal budgets, including potential layoffs affecting thousands. In a recent interview, Musk remarked that “almost no one has gotten fired,” despite widespread criticism for targeting various agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Department of Education. Neither Musk nor Tesla has provided any official comment on the protests.
On Saturday, the worldwide protests began midday in locations such as Australia and New Zealand, subsequently expanding across Europe, including Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Each event was locally themed, with unique banners and mottos. For instance, the protests in Ireland were branded “Smash the Fash,” while participants in Switzerland declared “Down with Doge.” Demonstrators shared images on Bluesky from various locations, including San Jose, California, and Austin, Texas.
Louise Cobbett-Witten, participating at a protest near a Tesla dealership in London, expressed the need for communal action, stating, “It’s too overwhelming to do nothing. There is real solace in coming together like this. Everyone has to do something.”
In New York City, several hundred attendees gathered outside Tesla’s Manhattan showroom. Sophie Shepherd, 23, an organizer with Planet Over Profit, clarified that the focus was not on electric vehicles themselves but on Musk’s perceived overreach of power. “We want to disrupt his business as much as possible,” she said.
Marty, an 82-year-old protester, reflected on his motivations, drawing parallels between his current activism and his involvement in Vietnam War protests. “Now, it’s the overthrow of our country by oligarchs,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of the rally’s message aimed at Musk’s influence.
Reports from New York indicate that police are investigating incidents where the word “Nazis” and a swastika were reportedly carved into a Tesla Cybertruck, highlighting a disturbing trend of attacks on Tesla properties since Trump’s presidency.
In Berkeley, California, weekly protests have led to the temporary closure of Tesla’s showroom. Local business representatives noted that security personnel remain to monitor the premises as demonstrators engage in activities ranging from music performances to artistic expressions against the brand.
In Washington, D.C., a rally titled “Tesla Takedown Dance Party” drew attention to the theme of financial accountability, encouraging participants to “dump the meme stock, join dance lines.”
Manissa Maharawal, an academic at American University, remarked on the gravity of the movement’s sentiment, noting that protests underscoring that “no one is coming to save us” reflect a pervasive sense of urgency and frustration among the public.
As the Tesla Takedown organizers clarified their stance against the recent surge in vandalism targeting Tesla properties, they firmly distanced themselves from violent actions, asserting that their movement is grounded in peaceful protest. They contend that “we are a non-violent grassroots protest movement,” emphasizing the importance of lawful expression and opposition to property destruction.
Harry Taylor contributed reporting
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www.theguardian.com