In early 2025, there were protests in the United States and globally against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his political involvement. The protests, referred to as “Tesla Takedown,” illustrate widespread dissatisfaction with Musk’s political activism and its impact on public policy.
Origins of the Protests
The motivation for these demonstrations was Musk’s appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President Donald Trump. Designed to streamline federal government, DOGE projects like mass job cuts raised critics’ eyebrows about data protection and control. Demonstrators were worried about Musk’s possible exposure to sensitive information, given that he is an unelected private citizen.
Scope and Methods
Beginning in February 2025, Tesla stores in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston were protested. The protests involved chanting “Elon Musk has to go” and “No Trump, No Musk, No Fascist USA.” Federal employees, retirees, and regular citizens participated in the protests. Interestingly, singer Sheryl Crow openly sold her Tesla as a protest, further indicating the extent of the movement.
Economic Impact
The protests have been realized tangibly on Tesla’s market performance. Its share plummeted into a free fall, losing $130 billion in market value, as business activities are purportedly affected by Musk’s political engagement.
Public Sentiment and Future Outlook
While a few Tesla owners have rejected the company in disgust at what Musk has done, others continue to stick up for it on the merits of the cars themselves. But the protests represent a wider unease at the conflation of corporate authority and political clout. As the “Tesla Takedown” campaign continues, it poses serious questions about accountability and the place of private individuals in making public policy.
