With Elon Musk leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as Donald Trump’s “First Buddy” and doubling down on federal cuts, enraged protesters are relying on the TeslaTakedown movement to channel their vehement criticism. Customers of the EV giant have taken a political leap by joining calls for anti-DOGE protests by selling their Tesla vehicles and taking up arms against the billionaire.
Incidents of vandalism and arson against Tesla showrooms have been at an all-time high as rage against CEO Elon Musk continues to mount. This weekend is especially poised to mark a big move, with demonstrations going through the roof on the ‘Day of Action’ slated for Saturday, March 29.
TeslaTakedown protests result in vandalism
In light of the global backlash against Musk and his company, even the Trump administration stepped in and tried to quell the uproar. The FBI sounded the alarm on taking necessary steps to “crack down and coordinate” their response, per Director Kash Patel’s Monday X post. A number of Republican lawmakers have also drawn parallels between the incidents and domestic terrorism. .
According to a new release dated March 20, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against three people over “the violent destruction of Tesla properties.” She warned, “If you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,” .
On Friday, the FBI, which is now forming a new formal task force with ATF to deal with the recent cases of violence, said that incidents of vandalism had happened in at least nine states since January. Thereafter, “incendiary devices” were also discovered at one of the showrooms in Tesla’s hometown of Austin on Monday.
As is evident, the original plan of action for the TeslaTakedown movement protests was quite different from what they’ve shaped into.
What is the TeslaTakedown movement?
Describing the TeslaTakedown movement’s goals and plans of action, its website (see here) says,”Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, and he’s using the fortune he built at Tesla to do it. We are taking action at Tesla to stop Musk’s illegal coup.”
Contrary to the ongoing violence that has been acted upon Tesla Inc’s showrooms, the website lists the TeslaTakedown movement as a “peaceful protest movement.” It adds, “We oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property. This protest is a lawful exercise of our First Amendment right to peaceful assembly.”
Even though the United States is leading the charge at the picket lines, with more than 30 states participating in the planned protests, the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands are some other countries calling to boycott Tesla.
The website also urges people to “join the March 29 Global Day of Action” to stop Elon Musk.
Tesla Takedown protests also urge protesters to dump their stocks. According to USA Today, Tesla stock still managed to rebound by 10% this week. Nevertheless, its lost nearly 50% of its value since December.