Elon Musk’s Tesla Faces Widespread Protests Over Policy Stance

Protests against Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have intensified across the United States and parts of Europe, as demonstrators express anger over his support for government spending cuts under the administration of President Donald Trump. Protesters aim to discourage the purchase of Tesla vehicles, impacting the company's revenue and reputation. The backlash has extended beyond the U.S., with Tesla boycott demands in Europe gaining traction following Musk's controversial political stance.

Growing Dissent Against Musk and Tesla

Demonstrations have been reported in major cities, including New York, Boston, and Palo Alto, with liberal groups leading the charge. Protesters argue that Musk’s role in reshaping government policies through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is overstepping democratic boundaries.

Nathan Phillips, an ecologist and protest participant in Boston, expressed his frustration:

"We can get back at Elon. We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and boycotting Tesla and telling everyone else to get out, sell your stocks, sell your Teslas."

The Department of Government Efficiency has undertaken sweeping measures, including mass federal job cuts, the termination of contracts, and the shutdown of agencies such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Critics claim Musk’s involvement in these decisions benefits his business interests while undermining congressional authority.

Impact on Tesla and the Taxi Industry

The taxi industry, which has been undergoing significant changes due to the rise of electric vehicles, is closely monitoring these developments. Tesla, a leading supplier of electric taxis, has seen its stock value drop by nearly 30% since Trump’s administration took office. Although it remains above last year’s levels, concerns are growing over the company’s long-term stability.

Some taxi operators, who have adopted Tesla vehicles to meet sustainability goals, now worry about the potential impact of these protests. A taxi fleet operator from New York, speaking anonymously, shared concerns about customer perceptions:

"Passengers ask whether they should continue supporting Tesla-based rides. The controversy around Musk’s policies is creating uncertainty for electric taxi drivers."

Beyond financial setbacks, Tesla dealerships have also faced vandalism. Reports indicate that some Tesla vehicles have been spray-painted with swastikas, raising fears of a rising wave of antisemitism. In Colorado, federal prosecutors charged a woman for attacking a Tesla dealership with Molotov cocktails and defacing the building with anti-Tesla graffiti.

Further Demonstrations Planned

According to the protest organization Tesla Takedown, over 50 demonstrations have taken place, with more scheduled in the coming weeks across the U.S. and in countries including England, Spain, and Portugal.

Carina Campovasso, a retired federal worker and protester, criticized the collaboration between Trump and Musk:

"This government led by Trump and Musk, it’s gone completely off the rails and we are here to stop that. And I hope they listen."

Despite the growing controversy, Tesla and the White House have not provided any official response regarding the protests. As tensions rise, stakeholders in the taxi industry and the broader transportation sector are watching closely to assess the long-term impact on electric vehicle adoption and business operations.