Thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities across the United States, Canada, and Europe on Saturday as part of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, an international day of protest aimed at denouncing billionaire Elon Musk’s influence over government policies.
The demonstrations—numbering over 200 in the U.S. alone—focused on Musk’s role in the Trump administration, where he leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial agency driving deep federal budget cuts and regulatory rollbacks. Protesters claim Musk has misrepresented the impact of these policies while advocating drastic reductions in federal spending and workforce numbers.
Organizers called on Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and stock as a symbolic rejection of Musk’s leadership. The protests took place outside Tesla dealerships and charging stations, with demonstrators waving signs, chanting slogans, and in some cases, dancing in the streets to draw attention to their cause.
“It’s disappointing to see Musk using his wealth and power for policies that hurt working people,” said Austin Naughton, a grassroots activist who helped coordinate a protest in Washington, DC.
One of the largest gatherings occurred outside a Tesla showroom in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, where over 100 protesters held a “Tesla Takedown Dance Party!” in defiance of Musk’s policies. Similar demonstrations unfolded in cities across the country, including Rockville, Maryland, where an estimated 750 people participated, and Boston, where hundreds braved the rain to make their voices heard.
Concerns Over Government Cuts
Many demonstrators voiced concerns about the effects of Musk’s policy initiatives, particularly those that impact federal workers and social services.
“I’m afraid for what this country is becoming,” said James Decherd, a DC resident. “These cuts are turning the U.S. into a dystopian nightmare.”
Under Musk’s direction, DOGE has targeted agencies for closure or major workforce reductions, including the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Institute of Peace. Some protesters have been personally affected by these cuts, such as Laura Plaia, a former State Department employee recently laid off due to funding reductions.
“Our work had global impact,” Plaia said. “Now, critical programs are being dismantled just to fit a corporate-style cost-cutting agenda.”
Ed Grass, a protester in Arlington, Virginia, who has muscular dystrophy, expressed concerns about reductions in medical research funding. “We’re killing the future of medical innovation,” Grass said. “I may be gone, but my grandchildren will suffer from these cuts.”
Escalating Tensions and FBI Investigation
While most protests have remained peaceful, Tesla facilities have become the target of increased vandalism and arson. Authorities recently arrested Paul Kim, 36, for allegedly setting fire to Tesla vehicles at a Las Vegas repair center and spray-painting anti-Musk messages.
In response to rising incidents, the FBI has launched a task force to investigate anti-Tesla attacks, classifying them as acts of domestic terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that violent actions would not be tolerated, urging the public to report suspicious activity around Tesla-related locations.
Meanwhile, tensions have flared in other ways. In Palm Beach County, Florida, a driver allegedly accelerated toward protesters outside a Tesla dealership before entering the showroom to declare his support for Musk. No injuries were reported.
Musk Responds as Tesla Stock Plummets
As Tesla’s stock price has fallen by 45% since December, Musk has responded to the backlash, urging shareholders to stay invested despite mounting protests.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Musk downplayed his role in government policy-making, stating, “Being in the government is actually a disadvantage for me. My companies are suffering because of it.”
Referencing the acts of vandalism targeting Tesla, Musk added, “If people think firebombing Tesla dealerships is helping, they’re wrong. It’s hurting our workers and our customers.”
Despite Musk’s statements, demonstrators insist their movement will continue until significant policy changes occur. As summer approaches, organizers anticipate even larger protests, hoping to pressure investors and policymakers alike to reconsider their support for Musk’s initiatives.
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