As of March 21, 2025, Tesla, the electric vehicle giant once celebrated as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, finds itself at the center of a growing storm of consumer backlash, protests, and even violence. The catalyst? Elon Musk’s increasingly polarizing political involvement, particularly his role as a key advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative aimed at slashing federal spending and bureaucracy. What began as a ripple of discontent has swelled into a wave of boycotts and attacks targeting Tesla dealerships, vehicles, and the company’s public image.
A Shift in Public Perception
Tesla’s journey from a darling of the progressive left—buoyed by a $465 million Obama-era federal loan—to a lightning rod for criticism has been dramatic. Musk’s alignment with right-wing politics, amplified through his ownership of X and his outspoken support for Trump’s administration, has alienated a significant portion of Tesla’s traditional customer base. His DOGE efforts, which have led to dramatic job and budget cuts, have only fueled the fire, with critics accusing him of prioritizing ideological crusades over Tesla’s core mission.
The backlash has been swift and multifaceted. Peaceful protests have erupted at Tesla facilities across the United States and Europe, with demonstrators calling for owners to sell their vehicles and investors to dump their stock. A grassroots movement dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” originating on Bluesky (a rival to Musk’s X), has organized dozens of demonstrations, urging a full-scale rejection of the brand. Meanwhile, violent incidents have escalated, with Tesla cars and showrooms targeted by vandalism—gunfire, arson, and graffiti reading “RESIST” have been reported in cities like Las Vegas and Berlin.
Violence and Legal Response
The U.S. Department of Justice has taken notice, charging three individuals linked to attacks on Tesla property and labeling the incidents “domestic terrorism.” Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed severe consequences, while President Trump has publicly condemned the violence, calling it “illegal” and even hosting a Tesla showcase on the White House lawn as a show of support. Musk himself, in a recent Fox News interview, expressed shock at the “hatred,” insisting Tesla remains a “peaceful” company and blaming the unrest on political opponents upset by DOGE’s anti-fraud measures.
Yet the violence persists. In Las Vegas, five Teslas were damaged in a targeted attack involving gunfire and arson, while in Berlin, four vehicles were set ablaze. The FBI is investigating, with officials noting the political undertones—such as the word “RESIST” spray-painted at crime scenes—as potential evidence of a coordinated effort.
Economic Fallout
The boycotts and protests are taking a toll on Tesla’s bottom line. The company’s stock has plummeted nearly 50% since its December peak, erasing over $800 billion in market value and costing Musk an estimated $100 billion in personal wealth. Sales have slumped in key markets like the U.S. and Europe, where consumers are increasingly turning away from the brand. In Poland, the government has reportedly called for a boycott, a move that could cost Tesla hundreds of millions. Even in Denmark, supermarkets are labeling European-made goods to help shoppers avoid American products like Tesla’s.
Compounding these woes are operational challenges. Tesla recently recalled over 46,000 Cybertrucks due to a defective exterior panel, a blow to a vehicle already struggling with safety concerns and declining appeal. Major investors have begun questioning Musk’s leadership, with some calling for him to step down as CEO to refocus the company on its automotive roots.
A Polarized Customer Base
Tesla owners are caught in the crossfire. Some, like members of the Tesla Owners of Washington state, remain defiant, refusing to abandon their vehicles despite vandalism like “no Elon” stickers. Others are selling their cars, with reports of Chicagoans struggling to offload their Teslas due to low demand. Anecdotes of owners slapping bumper stickers like “I Bought This Before Elon Went Nuts” reflect a growing unease among once-loyal fans.
Analysts draw parallels to other brands like Bud Light, which faced boycotts over political missteps but never saw this level of physical aggression. Tesla’s predicament, they argue, is uniquely tied to Musk’s outsized persona and his entanglement with divisive policies.
What’s Next?
Tesla’s challenges extend beyond Musk’s controversies. An aging model lineup—once revolutionary but now outpaced by competitors, particularly from China—has weakened its edge in the electric vehicle market. The company’s valuation, still lofty at over 100 times its earnings, hangs in a precarious balance as short sellers capitalize on the downturn, raking in profits from the stock’s slide.
For Musk, the path forward is murky. He insists the attacks are orchestrated by “larger forces,” a claim echoed on X but lacking evidence. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have controversially urged Americans to buy Tesla stock, raising ethical questions about government endorsement of a private company.
As Tesla navigates this tempest, its future hinges on whether it can reclaim its identity as an innovator—or if Musk’s political gambits will drag it further into the fray. For now, the boycotts and broken windows signal a rebellion that shows no sign of slowing down.