Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is currently at the center of widespread protests against his company, which have spread across the globe, fueled by concerns over his political involvement and controversial behavior. Musk recently claimed on March 11, 2025, via social media, to have evidence of Democratic Party orchestrations behind the protests, alleging financial connections to ActBlue, the political action committee utilized by the Democratic Party.
According to Musk, five groups funded by ActBlue, including the Troublemakers and the Democratic Socialists of America, were responsible for organizing the protests, which many see as manifestations of discontent against Musk's political affiliations, particularly his ties to Donald Trump. He asserted connections to high-profile individuals purportedly backing these movements, naming philanthropist George Soros and Linkedln co-founder Reid Hoffman among others. Musk has drawn significant backlash for his alleged financial character—naming Hoffman directly, who quickly refuted Musk's claims stating, "I never funded anyone for Tesla protests. I don’t condone violence. But it’s clear Americans are angry at him.”
The protests initially began as grassroot movements on platforms like BlueSky last month and have rapidly gained momentum, reportedly leading to dozens of protests each weekend now. For example, on March 8, hundreds of protestors effectively shut down Tesla's Lower Manhattan dealership, chanting slogans such as, "Nobody voted for Elon Musk" and “Oligarchs out, democracy in.” Some demonstrators stormed the building, entering the Tesla showroom and leading to six arrests, as the New York Police Department issued summonses for disorderly conduct.
Protests have not solely been localized to the United States; there are currently six planned protests across Europe as the "Tesla Takedown" movement calls for global action against the electric vehicle manufacturer. This growing unrest has been characterized, not just by protests, but by instances of vandalism directed at Tesla vehicles and locations. Reports have documented at least ten acts of vandalism targeting Tesla, including gunfire at one dealership and even incidents of Molotov cocktails hurled at Cybertrucks parked outside during protests.
The mood surrounding Tesla has shifted dramatically; the brand's reputation, once cherished by eco-conscious consumers, is increasingly seen as tied to Musk's political antics. Of note, various Tesla owners, frustrated by Musk’s political behavior, are reportedly trading their vehicles or even going so far as to deface their own cars as public gestures against the CEO. For example, one protestor, Karen Rabwin, reflected on her decision to trade her Tesla for another brand, citing her disillusionment with Musk: "It wasn't what I stood for. How could I drive [the Tesla]? I have principles.”
More troubling for Musk is the effect this public sentiment is having on Tesla's financial health. On March 11, Tesla shares plummeted 15% to their lowest price since October 2024, reflecting broader concerns about Musk's political entanglements. Since reaching its all-time high of $1.5 trillion market value, Tesla’s stock has now dropped approximately 45%. Analysts suggest this downturn is not merely linked to recent protests but also tied to Tesla's declining sales figures amid rising competition within the electric vehicle market.
Musk's political involvement has raised eyebrows, especially as he leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where his decisions are seen as suspiciously beneficial to his business interests. Critics have linked his actions to federal job cuts impacting about 100,000 employees, driving additional public dissatisfaction. Demonstrations have continued to occur across the U.S. and now extend to several countries worldwide, including Spain and Iceland, fueled by calls to action coordinated through social networks.
Despite the negative impact on Tesla's brand image, Musk remains adamant about his company’s position and has expressed confidence it can weather the storm. His statement on Fox Business highlighted his struggles with managing multiple responsibilities, saying, "With great difficulty... I’m just here, trying to make government more efficient, eliminate waste and fraud; and so far we are making good progress.”
The connection between Musk's political affiliations and his companies is drawing scrutiny, as evidenced by reports claiming he attempted to manipulate federal contracts to favor his own company, SpaceX, over others. While Musk claims to be facing orchestrated attacks on his credibility, public sentiment increasingly reflects frustration at his actions, prompting questions about whether this will lead to tangible changes within Tesla or merely deepen the divides between Musk and the public.
With protests intensifying and the growing movement advocating against Tesla globally, the extent of Musk’s control over the narrative seems to be fading. The patterns of discontent suggest more than just a fleeting protest—rather, they indicate systemic issues arising from the CEO’s personal and political choices. Whether Musk can regain consumer trust and secure Tesla’s future remains uncertain, leaving both the auto industry and investors anxiously watching the fallout from this unprecedented backlash.