Tesla stores see protests against Elon Musk over DOGE

In cities across the United States, crowds assembled outside Tesla showrooms on Saturday to voice their disapproval of CEO Elon Musk. The protests are aimed at opposing Musk’s alliance with former President Donald Trump to shrink government expenditure. These events reflect increasing dissatisfaction in North America and Europe with Musk’s influential presence in Washington.

Opponents of both Trump and Musk are urging the public to boycott Tesla, the world’s leading electric car manufacturer, as a means to resist Musk’s advocacy for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and to energize Democratic supporters frustrated after Trump’s win in November. Nathan Phillips, an environmentalist from Newton, Massachusetts, expressed his desire to hurt Tesla economically by encouraging a massive divestment campaign against the company.

Musk, adopting Trump’s stance, advocates for sweeping federal budget cuts and workforce reductions, viewing this strategy as a handed mandate from Trump’s electoral victory to reorganize the government. Actions by DOGE under Musk’s influence have included accessing sensitive information and shutting down certain government functions, including the U.S. Agency for International Development. Critics argue that Musk’s moves circumvent Congress’s budgetary authority and suggest potential personal profit through his business holdings, which include SpaceX and X, a social media giant.

A White House representative, Harrison Fields, declared that their plans to increase governmental efficiency and accountability remain undeterred by the demonstrations. Meanwhile, Tesla has declined to comment on the situation.

Protests have been registered on the Tesla Takedown website, with over 50 events noted on Saturday and more planned across the U.S., as well as in England, Spain, and Portugal. Recent reports document similar protests in places like Tucson, St. Louis, New York City, Dayton, Charlotte, and Palo Alto. Additionally, incidents of vandalism against Tesla vehicles have raised concerns about rising antisemitism, including a woman facing charges related to attacks on a Tesla dealership in Colorado.

In Boston, Saturday’s protest had an upbeat tone with live music and chants. Protesters carried placards criticizing Musk and DOGE, one stating: “Stop Elon and his despicable Muskrats.” Carina Campobasso, a former federal employee, voiced her determination to halt the current administration led by Trump and Musk, indicating her hope for change.

In New York City, approximately 300 individuals demonstrated at a Tesla location, resulting in nine arrests, though authorities did not specify the charges. Since Trump’s presidency began, Tesla’s stock value has seen a significant decline by about a third, despite maintaining a higher value compared to the previous year. Musk’s wealth is currently evaluated at $359 billion by Forbes, which estimates his 2024 worth as $195 billion.