Sun Mar 30 01:56:08 UTC 2025: ## Nationwide Protests Target Tesla Amid Musk’s Controversial Government Role

**SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2025** – Widespread protests erupted Saturday, March 29th, targeting Tesla dealerships across the U.S. and Europe in response to CEO Elon Musk’s controversial appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump. The “Tesla Takedown” movement, organized by a coalition including disillusioned Tesla owners, celebrities like John Cusack, and Democratic Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Pramila Jaypal, saw demonstrations at all 277 U.S. Tesla showrooms and service centers.

Protesters voiced concerns over Musk’s access to sensitive government data and his aggressive cost-cutting measures within DOGE, which have resulted in the closure of several agencies. Signs reading “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Fight the billionaire broligarchy” were common sights at protests ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of participants in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Seattle, as well as smaller towns across the country. Similar, though smaller, protests occurred in Europe. Some protests included counter-protesters supporting Trump.

The protests come amid a reported decline in Tesla sales, with some consumers seeking to sell their vehicles in response to Musk’s actions. While Musk expressed confidence in Tesla’s future during a recent company meeting, predicting record sales, analysts express concern over the negative impact of the ongoing public backlash. Tesla’s stock, initially boosted by Musk’s alliance with Trump, has plummeted since the inauguration.

Reports of vandalism and even arson targeting Tesla vehicles have emerged, prompting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to denounce the actions as domestic terrorism. While organizers stress the importance of peaceful demonstrations, police are investigating a fire that destroyed seven Teslas in Germany, and an incident in Massachusetts where a vehicle struck two protesters. The long-term impact of the “Tesla Takedown” movement and its effects on Tesla’s sales and Musk’s political influence remain to be seen.

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