New York rallies spark backlash against Musk and Tesla
Elon Musk has angered the residents of New York. People are protesting against Tesla and the controversial billionaire behind this car brand. Thousands of people gathered in front of the brand's showroom in Manhattan. The event was organised by the "Tesla Takedown" movement.
The protest was held under the slogan "Don't buy a car from a fascist." Demonstrators came to the Tesla showroom in Manhattan with banners bearing such messages. According to the "Tesla Takedown" website, created for the purpose of the demonstration, the organisers want people to sell their Teslas and give up their purchased shares.
The goal is to show a lack of support for Musk, who owns significant shares in the electric vehicle manufacturer. The money has allowed him to become the richest person in the world and influence global politics.
They no longer like Tesla. Americans protested at the car showroom
Protests are being organised not only in New York. Similar gatherings took place in dozens of other locations in the USA.
– If we can go ahead and continue to protest Tesla as strong as we possibly can and let the world know it’s a toxic brand that fuels him, that’s when you start putting pressure on someone. When you control his money, you control him – said one of the protesters to NBC News.
Tesla owners are having trouble, not only in the USA. Tesla cars have also been targeted by arsonists. A series of arsons of Elon Musk's electric cars have already occurred in 13 out of 50 states. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced – on behalf of President Trump – severe punishments for arsonists.
Similarly, in Berlin last week, several such cars were burned in one night. Owners of the once-prestigious brand confess that they have become the target of attacks since Musk endorsed Donald Trump for president. After Musk's attempts to interfere in the German elections, the drop in Tesla car sales in that country exceeded 70%.
Some - once proud, now less so - owners are defending themselves with stickers, which are now produced in all language versions - the Polish version can be easily purchased online for about £2-£3. "I bought this before Musk went crazy" - reads the label.
Tesla's stock is plummeting. It is so noticeable that President Donald Trump decided to support senior White House adviser, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, and appear alongside a Tesla Model S on the South Lawn of the White House on 11 March 2025, in Washington D.C. Trump spoke out against calls to boycott Elon Musk's companies and said he would buy a Tesla vehicle, which he called a "show of confidence and support" for his advisor.
