Mar. 19, 2025, 5:28 pm ET
Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his efforts to cut waste within federal agencies have sparked a wave of protests and violence across the United States and Europe, particularly targeting Tesla facilities. The actions have drawn criticism from Democrats, labor unions, and advocacy groups, who allege that Musk’s reforms are reckless and harmful to government services and public health.
Since his appointment to DOGE, Musk has been advocating for significant reductions in government spending and the elimination of several agencies. However, critics argue that these moves lack legal authority and have been carried out without proper oversight. Vandalism and violence have escalated sharply. Incidents include burning Tesla cars, firing gunshots at showrooms, and setting charging points on fire.
“They basically want to kill me, I guess they are bad people,” Musk said in a recent statement, referring to the intense backlash. “It turns out when you take away the money they’re receiving fraudulently, they get very upset.” He has also labeled the violence as “insane and deeply wrong,” highlighting that Tesla, as a company, has done nothing to warrant such attacks.
Cross-Country Protests and Vandalism
The violence has been reported in several major cities, including Las Vegas, Portland, Oregon, and Boston, Massachusetts, with similar incidents in Europe. President Donald Trump has labeled the violence against Tesla dealerships as “domestic terrorism” and vowed severe consequences for the perpetrators. Trump’s remarks come as the Trump administration has publicly supported the efforts of DOGE and its director Elon Musk.
Trump has stated, “They’re harming a great American company. Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, or any company, we’re going to catch you, and… you’re going to go through hell,” he said. The federal government has pledged to take action against those responsible and to provide whatever support is necessary for the company’s security.
Economic Impact
These incidents have taken a significant toll on Tesla’s finances and brand reputation. Tesla’s European sales have dropped dramatically this year, which analysts predict this will be the company’s weakest quarter since 2022,. The ongoing vandalism and boycotts could lead to substantial financial losses for the company, affecting both its market position and employee morale. Though Tesla has been quick to refute these reports and maintains a stance to fight back with whatever legal rights are available to them.
Political Divide
The divide over Musk’s actions has deepened along political lines. While Republicans and conservative lawmakers, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, defend Musk and attribute the violence to an underlying opposition to change, Democrats, labor unions, and advocacy groups are vehemently opposed. They accuse Musk of attempting to dismantle essential government services with ulterior motives, which they view as irresponsible and disruptive.
In contrast, conservative proponents argue that Musk’s initiatives are crucial for eliminating waste and corruption within the federal government, and that the backlash is a testament to these crippling issues.
A Historical Precedent
This issue is not the first time Elon Musk has faced public backlash. Previous controversies, such as his acquisition of Twitter and legal battles over his tweets, have highlighted his polarizing role in public discourse. The current controversy may see him clash with public opinion yet again as an increasing number of critics come out against the alleged government fraud and abuse his team are pushing.
All of these factors will increase the potential long-term damage to Tesla’s brand and employee morale. As the situation continues to develop, the focus will remain on how both Tesla and the government address the conflicts and controversies that have arisen from Musk’s leadership.
