Business
Musk Accuses Democratic Donors of Inciting Tesla Protests Amid Job Cuts

NEW YORK, March 8, 2025 — Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has accused several prominent Democratic donors, including George Soros and Reid Hoffman, as well as the ActBlue fundraising organization, of orchestrating protests against his company, Tesla. This allegation was made in a post on social media Saturday, following an “investigation” Musk claims to have referenced, though no specifics were provided.
Musk’s accusation comes amid rising tensions surrounding job cuts in his Department of Government Efficiency and ongoing protests at Tesla dealerships. Demonstrators have expressed their dissatisfaction with Musk’s leadership and recent corporate decisions. According to reports, hundreds have gathered outside Tesla locations to voice their concerns, often chanting slogans against Musk.
“Something stinks about ActBlue,” Musk proclaimed in a recent post, responding to user comments regarding senior officials from the organization. However, his claim that ActBlue funded the protests is misleading. ActBlue operates as a platform for donors to contribute to campaigns and organizations, rather than directly funding protests.
In support of his claims, Musk shared a post from right-wing influencer Mario Nawfal, which cited sources including the New York Post and BizPac Review. However, a review of the articles indicates they primarily draw upon Musk’s own assertions, with no distinct evidence linking Soros or Hoffman to the protests.
Protests have escalated significantly in recent days, with arrests reported outside a Tesla dealership in New York City. Activists chanted, “We need clean air, not another billionaire,” as they voiced their frustrations. Earlier in the week, around 350 people gathered in Portland, Oregon, demanding, “Elon Musk has got to go.” Similar demonstrations have occurred at over 50 Tesla locations across the United States and internationally in cities like Barcelona, London, and Lisbon.
The protests appear to be organized by groups utilizing the “Tesla Takedown” website, which encourages participants to sell their Teslas, divest from stock, and join picket lines. This site lists the Troublemakers and Disruption Project as sponsors, organizations Musk mentioned in his recent statements.
Actor Alex Winter, who has joined as a protest organizer, stated, “Creating a vote of no confidence in him from the shareholders, that would be the ultimate goal.” Winter’s involvement reinforces a growing coalition of voices rallying against Musk’s business practices.
Musk’s current net worth is estimated at $342.4 billion according to Forbes, significantly down from a peak of $464 billion in December. This decline is attributed to the plummeting value of Tesla shares, exacerbated by concerns related to tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The ongoing protests and Musk’s controversial remarks will likely continue to draw attention as tensions between corporate leadership and public sentiment heighten.