Protesters around the world gathered today to target Tesla showrooms and Elon Musk, sparking clashes and raising safety concerns. The “Tesla Takedown” movement, backed by left-wing groups, organized rallies in over 200 locations, claiming to oppose Musk’s role in cutting government waste. President Trump denounced the protests as “domestic terrorism,” while the FBI warned Tesla owners to stay vigilant after months of violent attacks on dealerships.
Violence has overshadowed the protests, with Molotov cocktails, gunfire, and vandalism hitting Tesla properties nationwide. A man in Las Vegas was arrested for torching vehicles, and others face charges for arson in Oregon and Colorado. FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to “crush” the unrest, calling it a threat to public safety. Despite organizers claiming nonviolence, masked agitators have repeatedly crossed the line into criminal acts.
Elon Musk called the protesters “psycho” and accused them of falling for propaganda. His work streamlining federal agencies under Trump has made him a target, even as Tesla’s stock plunges 35%. Musk admitted his government role hurts his businesses but refuses to back down. “We’re going after the liars funding this chaos,” he said on Fox News, arguing the real victims are Tesla employees and customers.
New tariffs on foreign auto parts have squeezed Tesla, despite its “Made in America” branding. While Trump defends the tariffs as pro-U.S. jobs, Musk warned they’ll raise car prices for everyone. Critics say the policies backfire, but conservatives argue tough trade moves are needed to strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Trump has doubled down on supporting Musk, displaying Teslas at the White House and slamming protesters. “Attacking dealerships is terrorism,” he declared, pledging federal crackdowns. Attorney General Pam Bondi charged activists under anti-terror laws, saying, “The days of no consequences are over.”
Protest leaders insist they’re peaceful, but their rallies attract radicals. A disabled Kansas woman’s Tesla was keyed while she dined out, costing $7,000 in repairs. “They’re hurting families, not Elon,” she said. Another owner described debris thrown at his Cybertruck during a parade, with bystanders shouting insults.
Law enforcement urges citizens to report suspicious activity near Tesla sites. Former FBI agent Bill Daly warned of “coordinated conspiracies” behind the attacks, possibly funded by outside groups. Police are boosting patrols, but critics accuse the administration of prioritizing Musk’s interests over balanced justice.
Conservatives see the protests as reckless attacks on American innovation and law enforcement. Musk’s push to trim government bloat aligns with Trump’s agenda, and backing him defends both free enterprise and national order. While peaceful dissent is protected, violent mobs undermine the very democracy they claim to defend.
