hPeople who protested at Tesla dealers across the US over the weekend protested as the government continued despite warnings that protesters would “come.”
Protests in cities, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston and New York, have come as Musk has seen a plunge in his net worth and Teslas sales in Europe. In Brooklyn, New York, around 50 people gathered outside the Tesla showroom on Saturday afternoon, making it loud and clear that it was the fourth protest in the past four weeks.
Other anti-Tesla actions have seen bullets fired through dealer windows and Molotov cocktails Thrown to the charging station. However, this was a rather classy protest, as evident from the signs of the show. Channel a poem by American poet James Russell Lowell, saying, “A moment will come when everyone and the nation decide,” and read one person.
One banner said: But one sign provides a more lively example of rage on display; The song of the dead Kennedy: “Nazi trucks fuck.”
As protesters chanted, there certainly appeared to be a lot of support from passersby: “Let's go of our data” and “Arrest Elon Musk.” People in cars and trucks repeatedly blow up the corners, including a man driving a Tesla.
“This is probably the most consequential moment in American history, because what I don't know is the Civil War. Kirsten Hassenfeld, a 53-year-old artist and editor who lives in Brooklyn, said:
“I think there are people who haven't been awakened to this yet, but I think we're slipping into a completely authoritarian state. I'm scared,” she said.
Musk has witnessed a massive sale of Teslas in recent weeks, protesting unprecedented invasion of the US government through what is called “government efficiency.” Sales of new vehicles are declining worldwide, with Australia's February sales down about 72% compared to the same month in 2024. There was a sale in Germany 76% down During the same period, Tesla stock prices lost almost half the value since December.
As the protest grew, the White House turned musks. Last week, Donald Trump argued that boycotting was “illegal,” but Attorney General Pam Bondy said on Friday he would begin investigating vandalism on Tesla vehicles and showrooms.
“If you're going to touch Tesla, go to the dealer and do anything. Be careful as we'll come after you. And if you're funding this, we're coming after you. Bondi told Fox Business.
In Brooklyn, people were clearly unshakable by the threat. Teslas passed the protest and was treated to a boo volley and a brave chant “Sell Tesla.” The demo certainly seemed to limit the number of people entering the dealership. The Guardian counted three customers within an hour and a half.
Donna C., who asked not to give her last name, said it was protesting at her fourth dealer.
“That's important to me because Elon Musk has a cult blanche to destroy our country, destroy democracy, destroy the institutions that millions of New Yorkers and millions of Americans rely on. Donald Trump has allowed him to make hundreds of millions of dollars and buy the path to government,” Donna said.
“I think what these protests are doing is looking at millions of Americans, what's actually happening,” she said. “My parents grew up in Italian fascism under Mussolini. We've seen what happens. We know history, the same measures are being taken.”
Over the past few weeks, nearly 20 Tesla showrooms and charging stations have seen intentional fires, but dozens of owners have layed various eggs, used as containers for dog poop, or are coated. Craft Cheese Single. However, Saturday's protests appear to remain almost calm despite the rage of those present.
“I was angry and furious for a while, and my friend said to me, 'If you want to come and scream and scream at Tesla, I'll show up on Saturday,” said Yedon Thonden, 57.
“Tesla is a good target. You know, their stock price is sinking. Their leadership is cashing out their investments. And I think Elon is clearly worried about his company,” she said.
“I think this administration will make it pretty quickly what the economy is fighting for, so the more you can emphasize that, the better.”
