National Protests Erupt Against Elon Musk as Tensions Rise Over His Trump Administration Role

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — On Saturday, a wave of protesters gathered outside Tesla showrooms across the United States and in select European cities, voicing their opposition to Elon Musk's controversial involvement in the Trump administration. This coordinated demonstration marked the latest effort to impact the financial standing of the billionaire, known for his significant influence in both the tech industry and government.

The protests targeted Musk’s new role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position many critics argue has given him undue power to access sensitive government information and reduce federal employee roles. Under Musk's stewardship, DOGE aims to streamline government spending, an initiative that has sparked fierce debates about its implications. Musk's financial empire, heavily tied to his Tesla stock—estimated at $340 billion—faces pressure as the electric vehicle giant navigates through a challenging market.

This weekend's protest was a strategic escalation, as demonstrators aimed to surround all 277 Tesla showrooms across the U.S., hoping to escalate a trend of declining sales for the automaker. By midday, crowds gathered at Tesla locations in states including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Texas, with signs proclaiming messages like “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Fight the billionaire oligarchy.”

As the day unfolded, protests spread to major cities such as Washington D.C., Chicago, and Seattle, while smaller gatherings occurred in numerous suburban areas. In Dublin, California, a chant echoed: “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go!” juxtaposed sharply against a gathering of Trump supporters nearby.

One demonstrator from Oakland, Dennis Fagaly, expressed the urgency of the moment, stating, “We’re living in a fascist state, and we need to stop this or we’ll lose our whole country.” The unrest is not limited to the U.S., as global sentiment against Musk is rising. Activists in London displayed art pieces that drew provocative comparisons between Musk and historical figures associated with totalitarian regimes, igniting conversation about the implications of concentrating power in the hands of a few wealthy individuals.

The **Tesla Takedown** movement, which consists of concerned Tesla owners, celebrities, and political figures, is rallying behind these protests. Representative Jasmine Crockett emphasized the importance of remaining vocal, urging participants to continue advocating both in the streets and in Congress. Her sentiments were echoed by fellow lawmakers like Pramila Jayapal, who participated in protests in Seattle.

However, the backlash against Musk has occasionally turned violent, raising concerns about safety and public order. Reports surfaced of vandalism incidents, including vehicles set ablaze, which U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned as acts of domestic terrorism. While Musk expressed bewilderment at the intensity of the backlash, calling for a cessation of what he perceived as "psycho" behavior, the anger against him has not subsided.

Despite the turmoil, Musk remains optimistic about Tesla’s future. He assured his workforce during a company meeting that the long-term outlook was positive, projecting that the Model Y would continue to be the best-selling car globally. He confidently forecasted that, despite current challenges, Tesla would see an increase in sales to over 10 million vehicles by next year.

This period of uncertainty follows a notable spike in Tesla’s stock prices after Trump’s election, which many viewed as a beneficial alliance for technological advancements within the company. However, that initial optimism has significantly diminished as Musk's public visibility and controversial decisions have raised concerns among investors.

As for the protests, it appears they have reignited a critical discussion about corporate influence in politics and the ethical implications of merging business with government policy. Analysts warn that Musk is at a turning point, needing to navigate the backlash carefully to restore Tesla's brand reputation in these turbulent times.

With tensions high and the stakes rising, the future of Tesla and Elon Musk's role in the wider political arena remains uncertain. Will this activism succeed in altering the trajectory of Musk's influence, or will it fizzle out as quickly as it ignited? The world watches closely.