Protests Against Elon Musk Persist Amid Justice Department Warnings

BROOKLYN, New York — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Tesla dealerships nationwide over the weekend, expressing their discontent with billionaire Elon Musk and his alignment with the Trump administration. Despite a stern warning from Attorney General Pam Bondi that the government would be “coming after” protesters, dissent continued unabated in cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York.

On Saturday afternoon, approximately 50 individuals assembled outside a Tesla showroom in Brooklyn, marking the fourth protest in four weeks against the electric vehicle manufacturer. Recent reports indicate that Tesla’s sales are declining notably in Europe. Protesters used signs to convey their disapproval, with slogans like “Musk is too brusque” and “Very uncool” prominently displayed.

Amid chants of “Hands off our data” and “Arrest Elon,” the atmosphere reflected a mix of indignation and solidarity. Passersby, including those driving Teslas, showed support by honking their horns. Kirsten Hassenfeld, a 53-year-old artist at the rally, described the moment as potentially the most consequential in U.S. history since the Civil War, expressing concern over what she sees as a slide toward authoritarianism.

“I think there are people that haven’t woken up to this yet, but I think we’re sliding into a full-on authoritarian state. I’m terrified,” Hassenfeld said. Recent surveys have suggested a significant decline in Tesla sales, with new car sales dropping sharply across various nations.

Meanwhile, Bondi’s warning to protesters has not curtailed dissent; demonstrators voiced their determination to highlight perceived governmental overreach by Musk through his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency.” Bondi, addressing the ongoing protests, stated, “If you’re going to touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you,” during an interview on Fox Business.

Growing public discontent has also seen instances of vandalism toward Tesla dealerships and vehicles, with multiple showrooms suffering damage in recent weeks. However, Saturday’s protests remained comparatively peaceful.

Donna C, a participant who wished to remain anonymous, remarked on the significance of these assembly efforts. “Elon Musk has carte blanche to destroy our country… Donald Trump has allowed him to buy his way into the government with hundreds of millions of dollars of contributions,” she stated, expressing hope that the protests could awaken a broader awareness among Americans.

Demonstrators contend that Musk’s increasing political engagement, paired with potential repercussions from the Trump administration, has detrimental effects on societal norms and institutions. As debates intensify, public figures and politicians, including Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, have openly renounced their support of Tesla products, citing Musk’s controversial political stances.

“You know, Elon Musk kind of turned out to be an asshole, and I don’t want to be driving the car built and designed by an asshole,” Kelly stated, adding he felt uncomfortable driving his Tesla due to the implications it carries in the current political atmosphere. His remarks reflect a growing movement where various public figures are distancing themselves from Tesla amid the ongoing turmoil surrounding Musk.

As protests continue and public sentiment towards Musk evolves, only time will reveal the long-term implications of these demonstrations on consumer behavior and corporate accountability.