Over 200 'Tesla Takedown' protests planned this weekend after violent incidents
Tesla has become a lightning rod for violent attacks and vandalism in the months since CEO Elon Musk joined the Trump administration.
Tesla has become a lightning rod for violent attacks and vandalism in the months since CEO Elon Musk joined the Trump administration. Now, people who disagree with Musk’s role in politics are hoping to channel their emotions into something peaceful: a day of mass nonviolent protests at Tesla locations nationwide.
More than 200 protests are scheduled to take place Saturday during what organizers are calling a global day of action, part of a campaign called “Tesla Takedown.” The organizers are hoping to damage Musk’s political standing by hurting the sales and stock price of the electric-car maker, the foundation of Musk’s wealth. They’ve set a goal of 500 demonstrations worldwide, although it’s unclear if they’ll meet that.
Similar demonstrations have taken place around the world since early February, shortly after Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, began their aggressive campaign to dismantle parts of the federal government. But organizers say they expect Saturday’s events to be the biggest so far and draw thousands of people in total to Tesla showrooms, repair shops and charging stations.
People involved in the Tesla Takedown protests said they’ve strived to keep them civil, in contrast to burned Cybertrucks and other examples of extreme vandalism or violence.
“We’re all very cautious. Nobody jaywalks. Nobody steps on Tesla property,” said Philip Katz, who has attended anti-Tesla demonstrations in Delray Beach, Florida, and plans to attend another Saturday.
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