Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that violence targeting Tesla dealerships would be classified as domestic terrorism, vowing that perpetrators would “go through hell”. His remarks came in a strong show of support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close ally of the administration.
The president’s comments helped Tesla shares recover nearly 4% after experiencing their steepest single-day drop in over four years. The rebound followed Trump’s appearance with Musk at the White House, where he selected a new Tesla model for official staff use.
Tesla Takedown Protests and White House Response
Recent demonstrations, dubbed “Tesla Takedown” protests, have been staged against Musk due to his involvement in significant federal workforce reductions and the cancellation of contracts supporting global humanitarian programs at Trump’s directive. Musk, the world’s richest person, currently leads the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump stated at the White House while standing alongside Musk, who sported a black “Make America Great Again” cap. Several Tesla vehicles were showcased in the driveway between the mansion and the South Lawn.
“Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell,” Trump warned.
Recent violence against Tesla dealerships will be labeled domestic terrorism, President Donald Trump said as he selected a new Tesla car to show support for its owner, his ally Elon Musk https://t.co/pJzyGI4z92 pic.twitter.com/5deVD0u6Lq
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 12, 2025
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields condemned the protests, stating that “ongoing and heinous acts of violence against Tesla by radical Leftist activists are nothing short of domestic terror.”
Protests against Tesla have escalated, with approximately 350 demonstrators rallying outside a Tesla dealership in Portland, Oregon, last week. Nine individuals were arrested at a separate demonstration outside a New York City Tesla dealership earlier in March. Reports of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and showrooms are currently under investigation.
A group claiming to organize the Tesla Takedown protests responded via the social media platform Bluesky, insisting their actions were peaceful and rejecting any association with violence.
“Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed,” the group said, urging supporters to continue protesting.
Legal Ramifications of Terrorism Charges
Trump could instruct the U.S. Justice Department to prosecute individuals vandalizing Tesla dealerships under federal terrorism statutes. However, legal experts suggest such charges may not hold up in court.
To meet the federal definition of terrorism, acts must involve violence intended to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population for political or social objectives. Defendants could argue that targeting a car dealership does not fit this criterion.
Trump’s Tesla Purchase and EV Policy Shift
In a further display of support, Trump announced he had chosen a Tesla Model S for official use. While he acknowledged that he is no longer permitted to drive, he stated that the vehicle would remain at the White House for staff. He also emphasized that he had not sought a discount from Musk.
Trump’s stance on electric vehicles has shifted over time. In January, he revoked a 2021 executive order by former President Joe Biden that aimed for half of all new U.S. vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
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Tesla’s market value has plummeted by more than half since reaching an all-time high of $1.5 trillion on December 17. The decline is attributed to falling vehicle sales, reduced profits, backlash over Musk’s political affiliations, and concerns that his political involvement is distracting him from Tesla’s operations.
Musk Pledges to Expand Tesla Production
Despite Tesla’s recent struggles, Musk used the White House event to announce plans to double vehicle production over the next two years.
“As a function of the great policies of President Trump and his administration and an act of faith in America, Tesla is going to double vehicle output in the United States within the next two years,” Musk said.
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In January, Musk acknowledged Tesla’s efforts to boost annual production after reporting its first decline in annual deliveries in 2024. However, he did not reaffirm his previous projection of 20%-30% sales growth for the year.
Speaking to reporters, Musk reiterated his commitment to staying in Washington “as long as he is useful” while maintaining his position as Tesla’s CEO.
