The wave of protests against Elon Musk and his ties to President Donald Trump’s administration continued over the weekend, with a large demonstration at Tesla’s dealership on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina. The rally, organized by the growing Tesla Takedown movement, drew its largest crowd yet in the area, as activists aimed to put economic pressure on Musk by urging consumers to boycott Tesla products and dump their shares.
The protest in Raleigh was part of a larger nationwide campaign that saw demonstrations outside all 277 Tesla dealerships across the United States, along with smaller rallies in Europe. Organizers say the movement is gaining momentum as outrage grows over Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has been driving aggressive federal spending cuts and closing entire agencies.
Protesters Demand Economic Pressure on Tesla
The demonstrators in Raleigh carried signs calling for a boycott of Tesla vehicles, while others urged shareholders to sell their stock. The movement’s goal is to weaken Musk’s financial power by hitting his electric vehicle empire, which forms the backbone of his estimated $340 billion fortune.
Kathryn Pollak, one of the protest’s organizers, emphasized that their issue is not with Tesla employees or drivers but with Musk himself.
“Musk is the richest person in the world, and his stock has gone down 50 percent since the inauguration. These protests have had a big impact. People are not happy with what he’s doing, and they’re not buying his products,” Pollak said.
While the protests have remained mostly peaceful, some incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla properties and vehicles have been reported in other states and abroad. However, Raleigh’s demonstration was described as orderly, with no reports of violence or arrests.
Musk Dismisses Backlash, Urges Investors to Hold On
Despite the growing protests, Musk appeared unfazed. During a recent employee meeting, he addressed the backlash, acknowledging “rocky moments” but reassuring his staff that Tesla’s long-term future remains bright.
In response to calls for a stock sell-off, Musk encouraged Tesla shareholders to remain patient and hold onto their investments.
“There are times when there are storms, but the future is incredibly bright,” Musk reportedly told employees, expressing confidence that Tesla’s sales would rebound.
However, financial analysts have noted the significant decline in Tesla’s market value since Musk assumed his role in the Trump administration. The stock’s 50 percent drop since January has wiped out over $560 billion in shareholder wealth, reflecting growing concerns over Musk’s political entanglements and their impact on Tesla’s brand.
Federal Job Cuts and Data Privacy Concerns Fuel Outrage
The protests are driven by concerns over Musk’s political influence, particularly his role in DOGE. Since taking charge of the department, Musk has pushed for deep federal job cuts and reductions in funding for key programs, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Critics argue that these cuts weaken critical services and reflect a dangerous consolidation of power under Musk and Trump.
Adding fuel to the fire are worries over Musk’s access to sensitive government data. As the head of DOGE, Musk reportedly has insight into confidential federal information, raising alarms about potential misuse or conflicts of interest, particularly as Tesla continues to operate and collaborate with the government.
Tesla Sales and Reputation Take a Hit
The growing protests and consumer backlash are starting to impact Tesla’s bottom line. According to industry reports, the company’s U.S. sales have declined in recent months, with fewer consumers purchasing new vehicles. In addition, some existing Tesla owners have expressed regret over their purchases, with many slapping bumper stickers on their cars to distance themselves from Musk’s politics.
The situation has also caught the attention of lawmakers. Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas and Rep. Pramila Jaypal from Washington both participated in protests, further raising the political stakes.
The Road Ahead for Tesla and Musk
As the Tesla Takedown movement gains momentum, the pressure on Musk and his company is intensifying. With activists vowing to continue their protests until Musk steps down from DOGE or changes course, Tesla faces ongoing threats to its sales and reputation.
While Musk remains defiant and confident in Tesla’s future, the brand’s public image is becoming increasingly polarized. Whether Tesla can withstand this political firestorm or suffer long-term damage to its market position remains to be seen.
For now, Raleigh’s protest is just one of many signals that the resistance against Musk’s growing power is far from over.
