Anti-Tesla Protests Gain Momentum Amid Fury Over Musk’s DOGE Cuts

Elon Musk is facing growing backlash over his role in President Donald Trump’s aggressive government downsizing efforts, with protests erupting outside Tesla stores across the United States and Europe.

Organized by liberal groups and fueled by frustration over Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) budget cuts, the demonstrations aim to discourage Tesla purchases and weaken Musk’s economic influence. Activists argue that Musk, in partnership with Trump, is bypassing Congress’s authority and slashing federal jobs while benefiting from lucrative government contracts.

Tesla Boycott Gains Steam Amid Outrage Over DOGE

One of the most vocal protestors, Nathan Phillips, a 58-year-old ecologist from Newton, Massachusetts, declared at a Boston Tesla protest:

“We can get back at Elon. We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and boycotting Tesla and telling everyone else to get out, sell your stocks, sell your Teslas.”

His sentiments reflect widespread frustration among activists who view Musk’s influence in Washington as unchecked.

According to Tesla Takedown, a website coordinating the demonstrations, over 50 protests were scheduled across the United States, England, Spain, and Portugal, with more planned in March.

Musk’s DOGE Cuts Spark Political and Legal Controversy

Since Trump’s inauguration, Musk and DOGE officials have:

• Gained access to sensitive federal databases
• Laid off thousands of government workers
• Shut down agencies, including USAID
• Terminated federal contracts

Critics argue that Musk’s influence over the federal budget allows him to profit while slashing government jobs, particularly in agencies supporting low-income communities.

“This government led by Trump and Musk, it’s gone completely off the rails and we are here to stop that,” said Carina Campovasso, a retired federal worker at the Boston protest.

Tesla Vandalism Raises Concerns Amid Protests

While most protests have remained peaceful, some Tesla owners reported vandalism, including:

• Swastikas spray-painted on Tesla vehicles
• Molotov cocktails thrown at a Colorado Tesla dealership
• Graffiti reading “Nazi cars” on Tesla buildings

Federal prosecutors have charged a woman in connection with the Colorado dealership attacks. Jewish groups have condemned the antisemitic vandalism, warning that the protests should not fuel hate crimes.

Tesla Stock Drops, Musk’s Net Worth Soars

Tesla’s stock price has fallen nearly 30% since Trump took office, though it remains higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, Musk’s net worth has surged to $359 billion, according to Forbes—up significantly from his 2024 valuation of $195 billion.

Despite economic fluctuations, Tesla and the White House did not respond to requests for comment on the growing protests.

With anti-Tesla demonstrations intensifying, the political battle over Musk’s government influence is unlikely to subside anytime soon.

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