The Tesla service center in Brooklyn may not be the most prominent location, but it was at the center of a storm this past weekend. A group of passionate protesters gathered outside the center, voicing their concerns and frustrations towards President Donald Trump and his close associate, Elon Musk.
The protest, part of a series of demonstrations at Tesla stores and repair centers worldwide, was a direct response to Musk’s increasing involvement in government affairs and global right-wing politics. Protesters waved placards, chanted slogans, and made their voices heard loud and clear.
Emily Waters, a professor at the Parson’s School Of Design, expressed her views on the matter, stating, “You can’t run a country like a corporation. It should be run by the people we voted for. Elon was not elected.” Waters highlighted Musk’s role as a special government employee and the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a move that has raised concerns among many.
The protest, dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” has been ongoing since early February, with demonstrators calling for accountability and transparency in government affairs. The passionate display outside the Tesla service center in Brooklyn captured the attention of onlookers and passersby, shedding light on the growing concerns surrounding Musk’s influence in politics.
As the demonstrations continue to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how Musk and the government will respond to the calls for change and reform. The protesters outside the Tesla service center in Brooklyn are determined to make their voices heard and hold those in power accountable for their actions. In Brooklyn, protesters held placards that read “Stop the coup,” “Musk must go,” and “Dangerous oligarchs gutting everything.” Another one with a painting of Kabosu, the Shiba-Inu that inspired the viral “Doge” internet meme read “fake agency, very data breach, much illegal.”
Passers-by cheered and oncoming vehicles, including Teslas and NYPD police cars, honked in solidarity. The Tesla facility itself appeared closed.
Protesters also turned out in huge numbers in many other U.S. cities, including Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tucson, Cleveland, Columbus, and Ann Arbor. At Tesla’s Manhattan showroom, the uproar was even more intense. Hundreds of people rallied in defiance and nine of them were arrested.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s chainsaw-wielding CEO has been attending cabinet meetings (even though he’s no cabinet member), courting world leaders and playing the role of White House “Tech Support.”
A final tally of Musk’s exact donations to Trump’s reelection campaign puts the figure at an unprecedented $288 million. Under his leadership in Washington, Musk’s DOGE has gutted long-standing federal agencies and fired thousands of American employees, including career officials who have spent decades helming these branches.
“It’s easy to read about this and be like, this is awful, everything’s so bad,” said Becca, a New York student who preferred to keep her last name anonymous. “But people need to show their support, whether it’s calling their Congress members or whether it’s coming out on the streets.”
That’s exactly what has been happening over the past month: protesters are organizing movements on grassroots liberal platforms like Action Network and Indivisible, with the movements further fueled through social media platforms like BlueSky and Threads.
Even celebrities have gone public. Country-pop star Sheryl Crow recently made headlines when she decided to sell her Tesla Model 3 and donate the proceeds to NPR. This act of generosity caught the attention of many, especially as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has threatened to defund NPR in the past. Crow’s donation is seen as a bold statement against Musk and his controversial actions.
Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter shed some light on the ongoing protests against Tesla, clarifying that they are not necessarily aimed at the company itself but rather at decoupling Musk from it. The protests, which have gained momentum in recent weeks, reflect a growing discontent with Musk’s leadership and decision-making.
The impact of these demonstrations on Tesla’s business remains uncertain, with the automaker gearing up for a busy year ahead. The launch of the refreshed Model Y in the U.S. is imminent, along with the anticipated start of the robotaxi autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin. Updates to the Model S and Model X are also on the horizon, aimed at reviving sales of Tesla’s high-end models.
Despite these developments, Tesla is facing criticism from former supporters who are disillusioned with Musk’s actions. The protests and calls for change signal a shift in public perception of the tech mogul, raising questions about his leadership and the future of the company.
As Tesla navigates these challenges, it will be interesting to see how the protests and public backlash impact its reputation and bottom line. With Musk at the helm, the company faces a pivotal moment in its history, as it strives to regain the trust and support of its once-loyal customer base.
In the midst of these turbulent times, stories like Sheryl Crow’s act of kindness serve as a reminder of the power of individual actions in making a difference. As the world watches and waits to see how Tesla responds to these challenges, one thing is clear – change is on the horizon, and the future of the electric car giant hangs in the balance.