In a wave of demonstrations across the United States and beyond, thousands of protestors have gathered outside Tesla showrooms to voice their opposition to Elon Musk’s leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The movement, dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” seeks to challenge Musk’s influence in reshaping federal agencies and his deepening ties with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Protestors argue that Musk’s aggressive downsizing of government agencies, including mass layoffs and funding cuts, is detrimental to public services and democracy. Their rallying cry—“Elon Musk has got to go”—has been heard at more than 50 Tesla showroom locations, with activists calling for Tesla stock sell-offs and vehicle boycotts. The protests have gained traction not just in the U.S., but also in major cities across Europe.
Why Are People Protesting?
The protests stem from Musk’s controversial role in implementing drastic reductions in the federal workforce under the newly established DOGE. Since January 20, over 100,000 government employees have either been fired or have taken buyout offers. This has led to significant disruptions in federal services, including national security, public health, and scientific research.
One of the most contentious aspects of Musk’s leadership is the abrupt dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and other critical programs. Protestors argue that these changes not only threaten jobs but also endanger crucial public services that millions rely on.
How Tesla Became the Target
Tesla, as Musk’s most high-profile company, has become the focal point of the protests. Activists believe that damaging Tesla’s brand and financial stability is the most effective way to weaken Musk’s influence. The call to action includes selling Tesla stock, boycotting Tesla products, and staging demonstrations outside Tesla dealerships.
Nathan Phillips, an ecologist from Massachusetts and one of the protestors, summed up the movement’s objective: “We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and telling everyone else to get out, sell your stocks, sell your Teslas.”
The Impact on Tesla’s Stock and Sales
Tesla’s stock has already been facing downward pressure, with a nearly 30% decline since Trump took office. This drop, coupled with declining sales, indicates that Musk’s political entanglements are beginning to affect Tesla’s business.
In 2024, Tesla reported its first annual decline in sales in 12 years, with a 1.1% drop from the previous year. The situation worsened in early 2025, as Tesla experienced a 16% month-over-month decline in January sales. Market analysts suggest that while increased competition from General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen plays a role, the political controversy surrounding Musk and DOGE is exacerbating Tesla’s challenges.
The International Expansion of Anti-DOGE Protests
The movement has extended beyond the U.S., with protests erupting in cities like Barcelona, London, Lisbon, and Reykjavik. European demonstrators share similar concerns, particularly over the influence of billionaires like Musk on democratic institutions and public policy.
Protestors in Germany have taken a particularly aggressive stance, with incidents of Tesla dealerships being vandalized. In Colorado, federal prosecutors recently charged a woman for throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership and spray-painting “Nazi cars” on the building. While most protests have remained peaceful, tensions are escalating as anti-DOGE activists continue to organize demonstrations worldwide.
Public Sentiment and Reactions
Public opinion on Musk’s role in DOGE is deeply divided. While his supporters argue that streamlining government agencies is necessary, critics see it as a dangerous consolidation of power. Tesla’s customer base is also split—some owners are distancing themselves from the brand due to Musk’s political activities, while others remain loyal despite the controversy.
Joan Donovan, a sociologist at Boston University, noted that Tesla’s identity crisis could hurt its long-term brand image: “Musk’s increasing politicization is alienating a segment of Tesla’s customer base. When people buy a car, they don’t necessarily want to make a political statement.”
What’s Next for Tesla and the Protests?
The future of the Tesla Takedown movement remains uncertain, but it has already made a significant impact. The protests have put pressure on Tesla’s stock, drawn international attention, and sparked a broader conversation about the role of billionaire executives in shaping public policy.
Elon Musk and Tesla have yet to formally respond to the protests, leaving many to speculate whether Musk will address the growing backlash or continue with his aggressive restructuring of federal agencies. Meanwhile, the movement shows no signs of slowing down, with more demonstrations planned in major cities around the world.
For now, Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla are reshaping the conversation around corporate influence, government restructuring, and the limits of executive power in the modern era. Whether this movement will succeed in forcing real change remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly ignited a powerful wave of resistance against Musk’s role in the U.S. government.