Elon Musk has long been a controversial figure, but his recent political involvement has sparked unprecedented backlash. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Donald Trump’s administration, Musk has taken actions that critics claim overstep legal and constitutional boundaries. This has led to widespread protests and growing discontent, with Tesla becoming a primary target of public outrage.
Musk’s leadership at DOGE has raised alarming questions about government overreach. Reports suggest he has cut congressionally mandated funding to key federal programs and gained access to sensitive government data. These moves have triggered legal challenges, with courts attempting to block certain DOGE initiatives. However, both Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance have implied that they may disregard these rulings, fueling concerns of a constitutional crisis.
Public frustration has increasingly extended beyond Musk as an individual to the brand most closely associated with him—Tesla. Many demonstrators argue that he is using his influence and wealth to push an agenda that threatens democratic norms. In response, activists have taken to economic resistance, disrupting Tesla recruitment events and protesting outside showrooms in both the U.S. and Europe.
Protests erupted in New York City when the activist group Rise and Resist staged a demonstration outside a Tesla showroom, chanting slogans like “Stop the coup.” Similar actions took place at Michigan State University, where a Tesla recruitment event was disrupted by students opposed to Musk’s role in government.
Meanwhile, in The Hague, protesters vandalized a Tesla showroom with messages linking Musk’s political involvement to right-wing extremism. In Germany, activists projected a manipulated image of Musk giving a fascist salute during Trump’s inauguration. The growing global opposition has fueled the #TeslaTakeover movement, calling for mass demonstrations on February 15 at Tesla locations worldwide.
Beyond protests, Tesla properties and vehicles have increasingly become targets of vandalism. A showroom in Loveland, Colorado was defaced with graffiti, marking the third attack at that location in just two weeks. In California, a Tesla Cybertruck was spray-painted with the word “Nazi,” symbolizing rising concerns over Musk’s perceived authoritarian connections.
The consequences for Tesla extend beyond property damage. Consumer sentiment is shifting sharply, with reports indicating declining sales as potential buyers reconsider their loyalty to a brand so closely associated with Musk’s political decisions. The upcoming wave of demonstrations could further damage Tesla’s reputation, amplifying public resistance to both Musk and his enterprises.
As protests continue to gain momentum, Musk faces a major challenge. His dual role in both government and business has placed him at the center of a widening controversy, and public trust in Tesla appears to be eroding. Whether he chooses to acknowledge these concerns or push forward remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—public resistance is growing, and many are unwilling to remain silent.
