Protests against Elon Musk intensify at Tesla showrooms nationwide

After weeks of scattered protests at Tesla showrooms across the country, tensions escalated to a new level this past weekend, with demonstrations taking place at over 50 locations, such as Tucson, St. Louis, New York City, Dayton, Charlotte, and Palo Alto.

For context—As previously reported by CDG News, the protests are part of a movement called "Tesla Takedown." The coordinated effort (promoted on Action Network) aims to pressure Tesla stakeholders to sell their shares. Organizers are also discouraging future purchases of Tesla vehicles.

The reason? Protesters are pushing back against Elon Musk’s leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative was created by President Trump to investigate government overspending and downsize federal agencies if deemed necessary.

• Critics say Musk is overstepping his authority. And some believe the changes he's making are ways to gain more power and enrich his own business interests.

• However, Musk's supporters (especially those aligned with GOP politics) say this level of intervention is long overdue and should be lauded.

Driving the news: Most of the protests over the past few weeks have remained uneventful, but some escalated into vandalism and confrontations with law enforcement.

• In Oregon, an unidentified suspect shot out the windows of a Tesla showroom, triggering an FBI investigation.

• In Colorado, federal prosecutors charged an individual for allegedly attacking a Tesla dealership with Molotov cocktails and spray-painting "Nazi cars" on the building.

• Several Tesla vehicles have been vandalized with swastikas, though it's not clear whether those acts were committed by protesters, rogue individuals, or both.

• The movement is also gaining traction internationally, with planned demonstrations in England, Spain, and Portugal.

Big picture: A major protest took place in New York City’s Meatpacking District, where around 300 people gathered outside a Tesla showroom. According to Electrek, about 50 protesters aggressively heckled Tesla drivers, while some forced their way into the store, prompting employees to shut it down. Nine arrests were made, but the charges are still unknown.

Musk responds—sort of: Known for engaging with critics on X, Musk has been largely silent about the protests. However, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last week, he made an offhand remark while swinging a chainsaw on stage during a performance.

Looking ahead: Despite the growing backlash, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told the Associated Press that the administration is moving forward with DOGE, stating:

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