Protests against Elon Musk and Tesla took place across the US on Saturday due to Musk's influence in the White House and his policy decisions through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), stated the Financial Times report. Protesters cited 37 demonstrations nationwide, using hashtags #TeslaTakedown and #TeslaTakover. Concerns include Musk's dismissal of civil servants, access to Treasury payments, support for the German far-right, and calls for the removal of the UK's current government. These protests follow earlier actions, such as bumper stickers criticizing Musk and projections of controversial images on Tesla facilities. Tesla's stock price has fluctuated amidst these developments.

Protesters gathered outside Tesla showrooms across the US on Saturday to voice their concerns about Elon Musk's actions as an advisor to President Donald Trump. Organizers said there were 37 protests nationwide coordinated through the social media hashtags #TeslaTakedown and #TeslaTakover.

Musk has also expressed support for the German far-right political party, AfD, and called for the removal of the UK's centre-left government led by Sir Keir Starmer. These actions have fueled political outrage in the US and Europe.

Protest against Tesla

The protests represent an escalation of earlier actions against Musk and Tesla. Initially, Tesla owners displayed bumper stickers stating, “I bought this before Elon went crazy.”

The campaign intensified with activists projecting an image of Musk making a gesture likened to a Nazi salute onto Tesla's factory in Berlin. The UK campaign group Led by Donkeys and Germany's Centre for Political Beauty collaborated on this projection in January.

The projection included a montage of Musk's recent political statements and was a response to his endorsement of the AfD.

Incidents of arson and attempted arson have been reported at Tesla showrooms in Oregon and Colorado. A Tesla showroom in The Hague was defaced with graffiti, including swastikas and anti-fascist slogans. Dutch police confirmed they are investigating these incidents.

Approximately 50 to 100 protesters gathered in Portland, Oregon, carrying signs with messages like "Dethrone Musk" and "If Tesla survives, your country dies."

Edward Niedermeyer, author of "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors," participated in the Portland protest. He suggested that boycotting Tesla is a way to curb Musk's influence, given that his power isn't derived from an elected office. Niedermeyer believes Tesla is overvalued and its core business is deteriorating.

He argues that significant losses could trigger a drop in Tesla's share price, forcing Musk to sell some of his shares. Niedermeyer encourages actions that impact Tesla's sales and services.“Every Tesla sale that you prevent, every dollar not spent servicing a Tesla, not charging at the Supercharger — these further degrade the business.”

He believes this could significantly impact Musk's wealth. In Chicago, protesters displayed a banner reading “Stop buying Nazi cars.” Chicago resident Lisa Pereira explained her reason for attending the protest.

She expressed concern about the administration's policies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and immigration, as well as Musk's power, “Everything is a little off the rails. So I decided I had to show up. I had to be in cahoots with my soul.” Chris White, another protester, voiced concerns about a "fascist coup."

While one individual expressed support for Musk by shouting "Elon's my hero!" from a truck, most passers-by in the heavily Democratic city seemed supportive of the protests. One passer-by expressed a preference for Rivian, an electric truck maker with a showroom nearby.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Source- Financial Times)