Teslas get more software updates than your phone
For free, for years
— Tesla (@Tesla) April 2, 2025
Hundreds of “Tesla Takedown” demonstrations took place in the United States, Canada, and Europe on Saturday as activists ramped up their opposition to CEO Elon Musk’s efforts to slash federal government staffing and budgets. More than 200 demonstrations were planned at US Tesla locations as part of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, which called for a “global day of action” aiming for 500 protests worldwide. The campaign encourages people to sell their Tesla vehicles and shares of Tesla stock to denounce Musk, whose wealth is closely tied to his Tesla holdings.
Great to be on @HalftimeReport with @ScottWapnerCNBC discussing Tesla and reports Musk will be leaving his government role in the coming months… which we believe needs to happen for the future of Tesla pic.twitter.com/zdToIm9fVg
— Dan Ives (@DivesTech) April 2, 2025
Since joining the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has aggressively pushed policies to reduce spending, while making claims about federal spending that many dispute. “It’s unfortunate that Musk has decided to use his power and riches for negative efforts,” said Austin Naughton, who runs a grassroots organization that helped publicize the Washington, DC, protest. A demonstration in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood drew a crowd of over 100 people for a “Tesla Takedown Dance Party,” with attendees carrying anti-Musk signs and dancing to disco music.
James Decherd, a DC native, said he attended to show his support for federal workers. “I’m just afraid for what kind of country this is going to be after these cuts,” Decherd said. “The whole country is at risk of becoming a dystopian hellscape.
“We remain firmly bullish on the long-term Tesla story but Musk needs to get his act together or else unfortunately darker times are ahead for Tesla,” Dan Ives added. https://t.co/qL0dbSy0i3 @nypost
— Dan Ives (@DivesTech) April 2, 2025
I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
DOGE has continued its efforts to dismantle or overhaul federal agencies. On Monday, the department attempted to shut down the United States Institute of Peace, an independent non-profit agency, and recently proposed cutting 20% of the staff at the Internal Revenue Service.
Anti-Musk protests span multiple countries
With Musk’s alignment with the Trump administration, Tesla has transformed from an innovative car brand to a symbol of controversy. Acts of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities have escalated. Paul Kim, 36, was recently arrested for allegedly spraying the word “RESIST” across the front doors of a Tesla facility in Las Vegas and using a Molotov cocktail to set vehicles on fire.
Despite the rise in anti-Tesla violence, organizers of the Tesla Takedown movement emphasize their protests are intended to remain strictly nonviolent. Marisa Deline attended her first Tesla protest in Georgetown. Although she supports electric vehicle initiatives, she believes Musk’s values do not align with her own and plans to support future protests.
The FBI has created a task force to investigate anti-Tesla attacks, following a series of incidents including arson, gunfire, and vandalism. The new task force aims to crack down on violent acts against Tesla, which have occurred in at least nine states. Protests continued to draw large crowds in cities like Rockville, Maryland, Boston, and Chicago, where participants voiced their opposition to Musk’s and the Trump administration’s policies.
“This administration really has blood on its hands because it’s caused people to get life-ending diseases as a result of their arbitrary cuts,” said Todd Post, who lost his job at the Health Services and Resources Administration. “How is that efficient?”
Rashan is a seasoned technology journalist and visionary leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of DevX.com, a leading online publication focused on software development, programming languages, and emerging technologies. With his deep expertise in the tech industry and her passion for empowering developers, Rashan has transformed DevX.com into a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. Reach out to Rashan at [email protected]
