Tesla Takedown Protests Intensify as Musk Faces Backlash Over Policies

Delray Beach, USA - Protests against Elon Musk are far from fizzling out, even as he moves on from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and engages in an outspoken feud with President Donald Trump. Over the past months, the Tesla Takedown movement has gained traction, urging supporters to sell their Teslas and divest from the company. As tensions escalate, the message remains clear: “help save lives and protect our democracy,” says an organizer.

With Tesla’s sales plummeting by 13% in Q1 2025 and a staggering drop in share value—down nearly 47% from its peak of $488.54 in December 2022—critics are turning up the heat. The movement began in mid-February amid Musk’s controversial involvement with DOGE, and by May 7, it had organized 60 demonstrations in cities like Delray Beach, Louisville, and Decatur. While about 30 individuals protested outside a Tesla showroom in Washington, D.C., attendance has notably dipped from the previous week’s turnout of 200 in Rockville, Maryland, attributed to competing Pride Month events and unseasonable weather.

The Tesla Takedown Movement Gains Momentum

As reported by Times of India, local organizer Melissa Knutson emphasizes that the movement is „tired of the billionaire takeover.“ Their tactics include protests at all 277 Tesla showrooms and service centers across the U.S., seeking to hit Musk where it hurts: sales. Meanwhile, signs like “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Fight the billionaire broligarchy” have become common sights outside Tesla locations.

Protests also erupted internationally, with demonstrators gathering as far and wide as London, where around two dozen voiced their frustrations. Despite the smaller European turnouts, the global ambition of these protests was evident, as organizers aimed to rally at over 230 locations worldwide.

Controversies and Consequences

The situation escalated further in New York’s Meatpacking District on March 8, where around 250 demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in six arrests. This incident underlines the growing tension between corporate influence and political accountability, particularly given Musk’s role under Trump, who criticizes democracy’s integrity in light of Musk’s policies—including budget cuts and agency restructuring, which many argue threaten democratic values. As reported by Tesla Magazine, this conflict may not only tarnish Tesla’s reputation but also shake the confidence of shareholders.

Despite the backlash, Musk appears unfazed about Tesla’s prospects. Refusing to shy away from controversy, he remains optimistic about future sales growth and continues to endorse the Model Y, claiming it holds its position as a best-seller.

Rising Tensions Amid Political Feuds

As the protests unfolded, Musk faced criticism for his recent $288 million donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign while decringing the President’s tax policies and calling them a “disgusting abomination.” The political fracas is believed to energize the protestors, with many linking their frustrations to a larger narrative of corporate elitism and the impact on everyday lives. With the Tesla Takedown movement showing no signs of letting up, it raises an important question: how will this turbulent intersection of politics and corporate responsibility play out in the coming months?

As the protests continue, it’s clear that the movement has sparked a broader conversation about corporate power, democracy, and the ethical responsibilities of billionaire leaders. For now, the message is echoing loud and clear across cities: the fight for accountability is far from over.

For more detailed insights, check out reports from AP News and Tesla Magazine.