Protesters gather in front of a Tesla showroom to voice their concerns about government policies.
Protests, dubbed the ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement, erupted across nearly 90 Tesla showrooms in the U.S., coinciding with growing concerns about Elon Musk’s efficiency policies. Initiated by actor Alex Winter and professor Joan Donovan, the protests are gathering momentum as participants urge the public to ‘sell your Teslas’ and voice frustrations about the government’s actions under Musk’s leadership. This grassroots movement reflects a broader call for accountability and has even attracted celebrity attention. With protests planned across various cities, the ongoing campaign showcases the American spirit in demanding change.
In what many are calling the “Tesla Takedown” movement, protests flared up at nearly 90 Tesla showrooms across the United States this past Saturday, marking the fifth week of this growing campaign against Elon Musk’s government efficiency policies. These demonstrations are catching the attention of not just Tesla enthusiasts, but also everyday citizens concerned about the implications of government actions.
The movement has spread to about 28 states plus Washington, D.C., with participants encouraging their friends and family to “sell your Teslas” and “dump your stock” in a gesture of protest against Musk’s recent actions. With signs displaying catchy phrases like “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Sell your swasticar”, the atmosphere was charged with passion and frustration aimed at the billionaire.
This movement was initiated by Hollywood actor Alex Winter, along with Joan Donovan, an assistant professor at Boston University. Together, they’re drawing attention to what they perceive as Musk’s inconsiderate stance toward everyday citizens as he leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). A recent bold move by the department included plans to shut down the United States Institute of Peace and propose cutting 20% of IRS staff by May 15.
The demonstration in Rockville, Maryland, attracted over 400 attendees, showing a significant increase compared to earlier weeks. People are rallying together, making it clear that they want to see a united front despite doubts about whether their efforts will lead to immediate changes in Musk or the current administration’s policies.
Grumbling about Musk’s handling of the situation, many are eyeing the company’s stock closely. Musk’s advice to employees at a recent gathering was to “hang on to your stock,” a message that may not sit well with the protesting crowd. As of last Friday, Tesla’s shares peaked at $479.86 on December 17, 2022, only to plummet by 48% to a closing price of $248.71.
Interestingly, data from Edmunds shows that Tesla vehicles from model years 2017 or newer accounted for 1.4% of overall trade-ins between March 1 to March 16, which marks a significant rise from the 0.4% rate for March 2024. This productivity may reflect a nervous market reacting to ongoing concerns surrounding Musk’s leadership during an evolving political landscape.
The wave of protests is more than about just Musk and Tesla; it’s a manifestation of the “American spirit at work.” Many participants, such as Glenn Popson from the tech sector, believe that by selling their Tesla vehicles and stock, they can send a strong message urging Musk to reconsider his approach towards American rights.
The scattered protests took place in major cities like New York, Oakland, and Golden Valley, Minnesota, along with marches planned in various locations for the coming weeks. Notably, the larger rally in Manhattan echoed the sentiments of past protests, demonstrating a persistent frustration against Musk’s divisive role as head of DOGE.
The protests have even garnered attention from celebrities like musician Sheryl Crow, who recently shared a video of a Tesla being towed away as a strong statement against Musk’s affiliations. As organizers gear up for more protests surrounding the approaching Presidents Day holiday, it seems this movement isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
As news of the protests continues to spread, it remains to be seen how Musk and the government will respond. However, the energy and determination among the protesters highlight an important dialogue about values, corporate responsibility, and the impact of leadership on American life. Keep an eye out, as upcoming events promise to keep the momentum rolling!
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