Demonstrators flooded Tesla dealerships across the United States and Europe on Saturday, in a wave of protests targeting company CEO Elon Musk. The billionaire, now a pivotal advisor to US President Donald Trump, has sparked outrage for what critics call his unchecked power and controversial political influence.
From New York to Paris, hundreds rallied peacefully, wielding signs reading “Musk is stealing our money” and “Reclaim our country.” The demonstrations follow a string of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles in recent weeks—acts US officials have condemned as “terrorism.” Attorney General Pam Bondi has publicly denounced the attacks, which have struck Tesla dealerships and facilities amid growing unrest.
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In Manhattan, a crowd gathered outside a Tesla dealership, voicing frustration with Musk, the world’s richest individual, and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The initiative, aimed at slashing federal government operations, has drawn sharp criticism. “He acts like he’s the vice president,” said protester Eva Mueller. “He’s dismantling our government, our democracy.”
Among the demonstrators was 70-year-old psychologist Amy Neifeld, who last protested during the Vietnam War. “Musk is leading the country toward fascism,” she told AFP, citing her Jewish upbringing and sensitivity to authoritarianism. “It’s gotten uglier and uglier since Trump returned to the White House.”
The protests, organized by environmental group Planet Over Profit, spanned multiple cities, including Washington, D.C., Florida, Massachusetts, California, London, Berlin, and Paris. The group claims that reining in Musk’s influence is essential to “save lives and protect democracy.” In Georgetown, D.C., 150 people rallied in a celebratory atmosphere, dancing and cheering as passing cars honked in support. Meanwhile, in Paris, a small group of Americans held signs, one reading, “Send Musk to Mars now.”
Paris protester Raf, 59, who withheld his surname, accused Musk and Trump of “destroying our democracy” and undermining critical government agencies. “They’re not obeying the basic rules of our country,” he said.
Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the protests. The demonstrations mark a sharp escalation in public backlash against Musk, whose aggressive cost-cutting measures and political sway have fueled both admiration and alarm. As tensions rise, the protests signal a growing divide over the tech mogul’s role in shaping the future of government and society.
Key Points: Tesla Protests Across US and Europe
- Widespread Protests: On March 29, 2025, demonstrators gathered at Tesla dealerships across the United States and Europe, including New York, Washington, D.C., Florida, Massachusetts, California, London, Berlin, and Paris, to protest Elon Musk’s influence.
- Target of Anger: Protesters targeted Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a key advisor to US President Donald Trump, accusing him of wielding excessive power and undermining democracy through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is slashing federal government operations.
- Peaceful Demonstrations: Hundreds rallied peacefully with signs like “Musk is stealing our money” and “Reclaim our country,” following weeks of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, which US Attorney General Pam Bondi has condemned as “terrorism.”
- Voices of Concern: In Manhattan, protester Eva Mueller accused Musk of “dismantling our democracy,” while 70-year-old psychologist Amy Neifeld warned of “fascism,” drawing from her Jewish upbringing and past activism against the Vietnam War.
- Organizers and Goals: The environmental group Planet Over Profit organized the protests, arguing that curbing Musk’s influence is vital to “save lives and protect democracy.”
- Global Echoes: In Paris, a small group of Americans demanded Musk be sent “to Mars now,” while a protester named Raf criticized Musk and Trump for “destroying democracy” and firing essential government workers.
- Tesla’s Silence: Tesla has not yet responded to the protests, which highlight a growing divide over Musk’s political role and aggressive cost-cutting measures.
