Ottawa, ON – March 16, 2025 – The Tesla showroom on Carling Avenue became the center of a heated protest Saturday afternoon as dozens gathered to voice their discontent with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump. The demonstration, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown,” aimed to encourage boycotts against the company, following Musk’s controversial statements and Trump’s recent tariff policies.
Horns Honk in Protest Against Tesla
Cars passing by the showroom joined in on the protest, honking in support of signs that read “Elbows Up Canada” and “Honk if You’re Not Driving a Tesla.” Protesters believe that Tesla’s declining stock price—a staggering 30% drop since Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods—could be further impacted by consumer resistance.
Musk Sparks Outrage with Comments on Canada
Elon Musk has fueled the backlash with his online rhetoric, most notably posting on his social media platform X that “Canada is not a real country.” Many Canadians were quick to condemn the statement, calling for action against Tesla and its affiliated products.
Andrea Still, the organizer of Tesla Takedown, emphasized the significance of the movement.
“We’re seeing a great response from people. The horn honking shows public support is overwhelmingly in favor of our message,” Still said. “We need to push back and let Tesla feel the consequences.”
Calls for Boycotts Grow as B.C. Leads the Charge
Protesters are also urging officials to follow British Columbia’s lead. B.C. Premier David Eby and BC Hydro have already removed Tesla products from the province’s electric vehicle rebate program, signaling government-backed resistance against Musk’s influence.
Still hopes other provinces will follow suit.
“I would love to see Canada take a stand,” Still said. “Pulling rebates would be a major step in the right direction.”
Trump Buys a Tesla Amid Controversy
As tensions rise, Donald Trump made headlines by purchasing a Tesla in front of the White House, stating he wanted to show his support for Musk. The move further solidified the connection between the two figures, adding fuel to the ongoing protests in Canada.
Retail Analysts Weigh In
Retail Analyst Bruce Winder believes that Musk is playing the long game and expects Tesla’s sales strategy in Canada to adapt based on market reactions.
“Being such a controversial figure leads to polarity in brand perception,” Winder said. “Musk likely understands this and is willing to accept the consequences.”
Next Protest Scheduled for March 22
As dissatisfaction grows, another Tesla Takedown protest is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 at the same Tesla showroom on Carling Avenue. Organizers hope to increase pressure on Tesla and its stakeholders, urging Canadians to reconsider their support for Musk’s ventures.
For now, all eyes remain on Tesla’s response and whether the ongoing controversy will impact its presence in Canada even further.
