Thousands of people protested two days ago in front of Tesla showrooms worldwide, opposing Elon Musk and his role in the United States (U.S.) federal government with President Donald Trump at the helm.
Protests were held in almost all U.S. states, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom (UK), and numerous other European countries.
Approximately 200 events took place worldwide two days ago. In Ireland, the theme was “Smash the Fash,” while the Swiss carried the message “Down with Doge,” referring to Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency – Doge, a new federal body he heads, whose purpose is cutting the state budget.
The movement called “Tesla Takedown” calls on citizens to take three concrete steps: not to buy Tesla vehicles, to sell Tesla stock, and to join the protests. One of the slogans reads: “Hurting Tesla means stopping Musk. Stopping Musk means saving lives and democracy.”
“This is not a revolt against e-cars; this is a revolt against Musk,” the attendees declared.
In New York, several hundred people gathered. Organizer Sophie Shepherd from the group Planet Over Profit explained: “We are here because Musk uses Tesla as a lever of political power. He literally organized car shows on the White House lawn. Our goal is to disrupt his business as much as we can.”
Marty (82), who protested against the Vietnam War in the 1960s, said: “I’m here today because I fear for my country. This is an attempt by an oligarch to take over the state.”
In Washington, a protest called “Tesla Takedown Dance Party” was held – featuring dancing, music, and messages like “Ditch meme stocks, join the dance line!”
In London, a protest took place along the A40 road in front of a Tesla showroom. Activist Nigel Warner said that Musk “funds the far right and intimidates Republicans who disagree with Trump.”
Louise Cobbett-Witten, who has family in the U.S., stated: “There’s too much at stake for us to stand by. And if all we can do is hold signs and shout – that’s something.”
A wave of protests and vandalism erupted after Musk joined Trump’s administration, and due to his controversial political views. This was followed by Musk’s inflammatory salute on inauguration night when he raised his right hand in the air before a crowd of Trump supporters. People across the U.S. initially expressed their dissatisfaction through peaceful protests, which then escalated into violence and property destruction.
Tesla sales have crashed in key markets. Sales in Germany plummeted, with February figures showing 76 percent fewer Musk vehicles sold compared to the same time last year, despite a 31 percent increase in overall electric car sales. These are the lowest figures since 2021.
In China, sales dropped by 11.5 percent compared to last year. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden recorded a 40 percent drop in sales, while France saw a 26 percent decline.m, CNN writes.
