In photos: Protests erupt outside Tesla showrooms over Elon Musk’s US Government purge

With Tesla continuing to operate while collaborating with Trump, demonstrators sought to intensify their opposition by surrounding all 277 of Tesla’s showrooms and service centres in the US. Crowds ranging from dozens to hundreds had gathered at Tesla locations in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas.

A man uses chalk to write protest messages on the side of a San Francisco Tesla store during a protest. (AP Photo)

In Dublin, California, several dozen protesters chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go!” outside a showroom, while a smaller group of Trump supporters waved American flags across the street. A much larger crowd surrounded a Tesla showroom in nearby Berkeley, chanting to the beat of drums, reported AP.

A protester holds an anti-Tesla sign while demonstrating outside a Tesla store in San Francisco. (AP Photo)

Anti-Musk sentiment spreads to Europe

The Tesla Takedown movement also mobilised protesters at more than 230 locations worldwide. Although European turnouts were smaller, the anti-Musk sentiment remained strong.

With Tesla continuing to operate while collaborating with Trump, demonstrators sought to intensify their opposition by surrounding all 277 of Tesla’s showrooms and service centres in the US. (AP Photo)

In London, about two dozen people gathered outside a Tesla dealership, displaying signs criticising Musk while passing cars and trucks honked in support. One sign depicted Musk alongside an image of Adolf Hitler, making the Nazi salute—an accusation levelled at Musk following Trump’s inauguration. Another sign, held by a protester in a Tyrannosaurus rex costume, read, “You thought the Nazis were extinct. Don’t buy a Swasticar.”

Protesters hold signs in front of a Tesla dealership in Walnut Creek, California. (AP Photo)

‘No kings on Presidents day’ protests target President Trump, Elon Musk

Acts of vandalism

Some demonstrations have escalated beyond peaceful protest. Instances of Tesla vehicles being set on fire and other acts of vandalism have been reported, which US Attorney General Pam Bondi has condemned as domestic terrorism.

During a 20 March company meeting, Musk expressed his bewilderment at the attacks, urging perpetrators to “stop acting psycho.”

A demonstration outside a Tesla store in San Francisco. (AP Photo)

Slumping sales

Since Musk took over DOGE, a growing number of Tesla owners have sought to sell or trade in their vehicles, with some affixing bumper stickers to distance themselves from the CEO. “There are times when there are rocky moments, where there is stormy weather,” Musk said. “But what I am here to tell you is that the future is incredibly bright and exciting.”

‘There are times when there are rocky moments, where there is stormy weather,’ Musk said had said in response to the slumping sales. (AP Photo)

Following Trump’s election last November, investors initially viewed Musk’s alliance with the president as a positive step for Tesla, particularly in its pursuit of a self-driving car network. Tesla’s stock surged by 70% between the election and Trump’s 20 January inauguration, adding $560 billion in shareholder wealth. However, nearly all those gains have since evaporated, with investors growing concerned over backlash, declining sales in the US, Europe, and China, and Musk’s involvement with DOGE.

(With inputs from AP)