Elon Musk is in the news again. And this time he is confronted with increasing opposition as protests against Tesla break out globally. The protest was marked significant when the protesters marched in front of Tesla showrooms in the United States and Europe. The protest denounced the Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration. The “Tesla Takedown” movement is designed to erode the billionaire’s financial influence by deterring Tesla sales and attacking showrooms.
Protest against Tesla snowballed as Musk became head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a fresh agency under President Donald Trump. His radical budget-cutting action resulted in closure of several government agencies, spooking opponents who accuse him of power grabbing and undermining democracy. Protestors say undermining Tesla’s sales is the key to curbing his influence.
Global Demonstrations Intensify
On March 29, 2025, thousands of activists marched in major cities, encircling 277 Tesla stores all over the U.S. In New York, 500 to 1,000 protesters marched in front of a Tesla store. The motto of this unrest was to appeal for Musk’s resignation from government. The protest was lead by the Environmentalists from Planet Over Profit who were spotted saying that “stopping Musk will save lives and protect our democracy.”
In London, a protest was setup against Tesla but it attracted smaller crowds. However, the protesters waved strong signs. One banner equated Musk to Adolf Hitler, causing controversy. And there were few creative signs, where one of the signs stated, “Don’t buy a Swasticar,”.
Increasing Consumer Backlash
Aside from protests, former Tesla owners are distancing themselves from the company. Numerous individuals who bought cars prior to Musk’s union with Trump are selling or trading in their cars. Some motorists have attached bumper stickers denouncing Musk’s political position. This movement indicates greater concerns regarding Tesla’s future under its embattled CEO.
Acts of Vandalism Raise Concerns
Although the majority of demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been sporadic instances of violence that have caused concern. In Germany, seven Tesla cars were burned in a fire, and police launched investigations. Some of Tesla’s opponents have torched Tesla cars, prompting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to label such acts as “domestic terrorism.” Musk, speaking to employees at a company meeting, urged an end to violence, saying, “Stop acting psycho.”
Tesla’s Declining Sales
Tesla has been experiencing declining sales, particularly in Europe, where electric vehicle adoption is still strong. Analysts speculate that the protest against Tesla has contributed to this slump. Despite this, Musk is still optimistic, promising employees that despite this slowdown, the re-freshed Model Y will remain the year’s best-selling automobile.
In spite of the criticism, Musk does not seem concerned about Tesla’s future. In a March 20 speech, he downplayed worries about waning demand. Financial analysts, however, caution that prolonged protests may affect the market share of Tesla. Should opposition continue to increase, Musk might need to respond more directly to public concerns.
The Future of Tesla Amid Protests
The protest of Tesla highlights a greater cultural and political split. But, there are few supporters who think Musk is a visionary and he could be the driving for technological innovation in spite of backlash. Opponents regard him as an influential figure because of his role in the government and his experience. The result of these protests could decide the future of Tesla in the next few years.
As tensions increase, protesters and Tesla die-hards stand resolute in their grounds. Whether or not these protests will engender long-lasting change is unsure. But the international spotlight that shines on Musk and Tesla won’t be fading anytime soon.
Conclusion
The protest against Tesla and Musk shows the discomfort of the people regarding Teslas’ ideology. It will be interesting to see how Musk will handle the chaos and react to the protest
