Protests against Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have been escalating, especially in California, where the electric car company once enjoyed strong support. The recent backlash is largely a reaction to Musk’s political involvement and his role in cutting government jobs under President Trump. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, rallying outside Tesla stores to express their anger, with some even resorting to vandalism.
On March 1, protesters gathered outside a Tesla store in Boston, holding signs and chanting against Musk. Many have reported feeling targeted themselves, claiming they’ve faced harassment from other drivers and even physical confrontations. Local Tesla dealerships have also been picketed, with incidents of charging stations being defaced or set on fire.
The discontent isn’t limited to protests. Some high-profile figures, like singer Sheryl Crow, have publicly distanced themselves from Tesla. Crow sold her Tesla and donated the proceeds to National Public Radio, stating on social media that it was time to reassess who they align with.
Musk’s shift towards more conservative politics has alienated many of his former supporters. Once hailed as a leader in the fight against climate change, Tesla’s image has been tarnished as Musk increasingly criticizes California and its policies, while simultaneously moving some operations to Texas.
The situation has led to some unusual forms of resistance. In Colorado, a woman was arrested for vandalizing a Tesla dealership with spray paint and Molotov cocktails. In California, charging stations have been defaced with swastikas, and anti-Tesla stickers have been placed on vehicles in various cities.
Tesla has attempted to combat the vandalism with measures like thicker supercharger cables and bank-style ink packs that explode when tampered with. The company’s vehicles also have a Sentry Mode that records activity around them, which could help identify vandals.
Despite the growing protests and negative publicity, Tesla still retains a loyal fan base. Some supporters have pledged to buy more Teslas or Cybertrucks as a show of solidarity with Musk. President Trump himself has expressed his support, stating he plans to buy a new Tesla to demonstrate confidence in the brand.
As the protests continue, Tesla faces a challenging road ahead. With electric vehicle sales slowing down across the industry and Tesla’s stock price plummeting nearly 45% since the election, the company must navigate this backlash while trying to maintain its reputation and market position.