In early 2025, a new wave of public protest and boycott emerged against Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. This protest was known as the Tesla Takedown movement.
This coordinated series of demonstrations and calls for divestment stemmed from Musk’s political affiliations, particularly his growing involvement with controversial political figures and government policies.
The protestors’ main concern was Musk’s influence in both the public and private sectors, which many saw as detrimental to democracy and corporate responsibility.
Background: The Rising Tensions and Public Backlash
The Tesla Takedown first began around mid-February 2025, as people expressed their growing unease over Musk’s connections with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Musk’s high-profile involvement in the President’s Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, and subsequent layoffs have sparked outrage among activists and the general public.
Critics have argued that his actions were emblematic of an increasing concentration of power in the hands of a few billionaires, undermining the democratic process.
A senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Rebecca Bertelsen, adds on saying “I’m glad to hear people are avoiding Tesla as a company. Not only is Elon Musk a horrible person, but I also don’t want to see any more cyber trucks on the road than I have to.”
The protests quickly spread in both the U.S. and in Europe where Tesla has been seen as a significant presence. These protesters aimed to challenge Musk’s political activities, accusing him of using his wealth and influence to manipulate government policies to benefit his own business interests.
This included Tesla’s rapid growth and its influence over the energy and transportation sectors.
Key Events in the Protest Movement
The Tesla Takedown movement saw several large-scale protests at Tesla showrooms across various locations.
One of the most significant demonstrations occurred outside the Tesla showroom in Manhattan, New York, where protesters chanted slogans against Musk’s growing influence in politics.
In California, a gathering of activists assembled at Tesla’s San Francisco facility to draw attention to the wider implication of Musk’s political entanglements.
The movement has also spread to international locations, with protests in Loveland, Colorado, and Toulouse, France.
Many Tesla owners on social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter, known as X, have also resorted to having stickers placed on their cars to protest instead of selling their cars.
Rachel Cong, a senior at EHRS, comments how “I feel like people have a valid reason to be boycotting Elon Musk and Tesla generally. It’s rather entertaining to watch people put stickers on their cars saying they don’t support the company or pretending their Tesla is a different car brand.”
These public demonstrations were not limited to organized protests, there were reports of vandalism at Tesla facilities with protesters expressing their discontent by damaging vehicles and property.
One of the most notable incidents occurred at Tesla’s showroom at Owing Mills, Maryland, where hundreds of individuals gathered in protest against Musk.
Notable Public Figures Who Joined the Boycott
The Tesla Takedown movement has gained major traction not only through grassroots organizing but also with the support of high-profile figures who publicly announced their decision to divest from Tesla products.
Several celebrities, including singer Sheryl Crow, actor Jason Bateman, and Senator Mark Kelly, have made headlines by selling their Teslas and advocating for others to follow suit.
Sheryl Crow in particular, has become one of the most vocal critics of Musk. She donated the proceeds from her Tesla sale to the National Public Radio (NPR), an organization that Musk has criticized in the past.
By taking these actions, these celebrities helped to bring attention to the broader political and social issues surrounding Musk’s leadership and the influence of billionaires in the American political system.
Elon Musk’s Response to the Movement
In the face of the protests, Musk’s responses were largely dismissive as he has often been when being confronted when faced with political or public criticisms.
On Twitter, also known as X, Musk labeled the protests as “unwarranted” and accused the protesters of being part of a coordinated left-wing effort to suppress free-market innovation.
He has also defended his role in the government reforms, claiming that his involvement was essential to improve the inefficiencies in the system.
However, Musk’s dismissive tone only seemed to fuel the protests further as the Tesla Takedown movement has evolved into not just a boycott of Tesla products but a broader cultural critique of corporate greed, political influence, and the role of billionaires in shaping policy.
These protests, albeit chaotic at times, were grounded in a sense of public activism against what many saw as Musk’s growing monopoly on power.
The Protests Becoming Global and the Repercussions
The protests have extended to international shores with Europe experiencing several actions targeting Tesla showrooms. In the United Kingdom, activists with the group Just Stop Oil have staged protests outside Tesla locations, calling for a halt to fossil fuel investments.
They did this to emphasize Musk’s ties to the fossil fuel industry through his ventures, such as SpaceX.
The demonstrations gained further attention after a high-profile protest was held outside Tesla’s Berlin facility, drawing attention to the political and economic pressures surrounding Musk’s business dealings.
At the same time, the global nature of these protests suggested that they were not isolated to the United States but instead reflected broader concerns about the implications of Musk’s wealth and influence on the world stage.
Reports have indicated that activists have even used social media platforms to coordinate efforts together and organize protests in real time, broadcasting them to a global audience.
The Future of Tesla Boycotts
While the Tesla Takedown movement may have reached its peak in early 2025, it is clear that the protests have touched a nerve regarding the ethical implications of Musk’s business practices.
The public’s dissatisfaction with his political influence continues to simmer, with many activists vowing to maintain pressure on the company.
Furthermore, the recent actions by public figures such as Sheryl Crow and Jason Bateman have brought a new dimension to the boycotts, where celebrity culture intersects with social activism.
This shows how influencers can impact the commercial success of global companies.
