Tesla Takedown: Grassroots movement Gains Momentum Against Musk’s Policies
Across the United States, a decentralized grassroots movement known as Tesla Takedown is gaining traction, fueled by growing discontent with Elon Musk’s actions both within Tesla and in his role within the federal government. Protesters aim to send a clear message to the Trump management, expressing their opposition to Musk’s policies, which they view as detrimental to public services and democratic values.
The movement,which began in mid-February,has rapidly expanded from small gatherings to larger demonstrations in cities across the nation.Organizers like Vickie Mueller Olvera in the Bay Area are rallying individuals to take action against what they perceive as an overreach of power by an unelected billionaire. “Nobody voted for this, and nobody voted for Elon,” Olvera stated, emphasizing the sentiment that Musk’s influence is unwarranted and undemocratic. “He’s an unelected super-billionaire and he’s a thug.”
Tesla takedown’s core strategy revolves around impacting Musk’s bottom line. Demonstrators are urging the public to boycott Tesla vehicles, sell off Tesla stock, and actively participate in the protest movement. The group’s organizing page asserts that Musk is “destroying our democracy using the fortune he built at Tesla,” prompting their direct action against the company.
the movement’s growth coincides with a period of financial challenges for tesla. Sence President Trump’s inauguration, the company’s stock has reportedly plummeted by over 35%, sales have declined, and the resale value of used Teslas has reached an all-time low. Musk’s personal net worth has also taken a hit, reportedly falling by approximately $100 billion. Some Tesla owners have even cited Musk’s controversial behavior, including alleged Nazi-style salutes during his inauguration speech, as reasons for selling their vehicles.
Adding fuel to the fire, President Trump recently showcased Tesla vehicles at the White House, praising the electric cars and declaring his intention to purchase one. this display of support for Tesla, coupled with Trump’s condemnation of the anti-Tesla protests and his vow to designate violence against showrooms as domestic terrorism, has further galvanized the movement.
Jonathan V Last, editor of the conservative anti-Trump website The Bulwark, believes the Tesla Takedown protests have played a significant role in the company’s recent struggles. “I would go so far as to say the Tesla takedown protests have been one of the most consequential protest movements in the shortest amount of time ever,” Last said on a Bulwark podcast. “They helped to obliterate one-third of Elon Musk’s net worth, in like 100 days.And when you attack his money stack, you attack his power.”
The protests have taken various forms, with demonstrators holding signs depicting Musk as a Nazi and slogans like “Diabolical Oligarchs Gaslighting Everyone” and “No Swastikars.” Olvera recounted how passersby have spontaneously joined the protests,highlighting the growing public sentiment against Musk’s actions. She also noted that some Tesla owners, regretting their purchase after Musk’s recent behavior, have begun participating in the demonstrations, even adding bumper stickers to their cars stating, “I bought this before Elon went crazy.”
The movement’s concerns extend beyond Tesla’s business practices. Olvera expressed her fear that Musk is “hijacking our government, and he’s just dismantling everything that we hold dear,” citing concerns about social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and national parks.”Everything that people have fought long and hard for… it just feels like the rug is getting pulled out from under us,” she lamented.
The Tesla Takedown movement has also gained international momentum, with protests planned in countries like Australia, Finland, and Germany. The group’s social media presence has exploded, with the Tesla Takedown Bluesky account amassing nearly 25,000 followers in a matter of weeks.
Though, the movement has also faced challenges, including instances of vandalism against Tesla showrooms.tesla Takedown organizers have strongly condemned thes acts of violence, emphasizing their commitment to non-violent protest. “We are a non-violent grassroots protest movement,” the group stated. “We oppose violence and destruction of property. Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism.”
In response to the vandalism, the FBI has launched a task force to investigate the incidents, labeling the perpetrators as “domestic terrorists.” The FBI director,Kash Patel,declared,”This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.” A suspect has already been arrested in connection with a molotov cocktail attack against a tesla showroom in Las Vegas.
Despite the challenges, Tesla Takedown organizers remain determined to continue their protests. They anticipate a large turnout for their upcoming demonstrations, with over 200 protests planned across the United States and internationally. “LFG!” the group posted to Bluesky, signaling their readiness to “send these techno-fascists, broligarchs and old fashioned Nazis a message loud and clear.”
The Tesla Takedown movement represents a growing wave of opposition to Elon Musk’s policies and influence, raising vital questions about the role of billionaires in government and the future of democracy.As the movement continues to evolve, its impact on Tesla’s business and Musk’s public image remains to be seen.
