Protests Erupt in Michigan Against Musk’s Political Influence

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Nearly 400 protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Ann Arbor on Saturday morning, armed with signs and flags, expressing their belief that America’s democracy is under threat. Chants like ‘Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go’ resonated down the sidewalk as protesters displayed an array of hand-drawn caricatures and slogans targeting Musk and the new Trump administration.

Later that day, about 150 attendees participated in a spirited protest at a mall in Troy, Michigan, where another Tesla showroom is located. Despite the smaller turnout, the energy was palpable among participants.

The protesters in both cities were predominantly over the age of 65, white, and retired individuals from professions reliant on public funding, such as education and social services. Many identified their political stance as left-leaning, with some openly labeling themselves as ‘Anti-Trump’ or ‘Pro-Democracy.’ A significant portion expressed disillusionment with the Democratic Party.

“I’m also not too pleased with our Democrats,” said 77-year-old James Morse, a member of the grassroots organization Indivisible, which helped mobilize the Ann Arbor demonstration. “We need to put more pressure on them because this is a very unusual situation. It’s not normal and we need to resist in every way we can.”

Moderate voters voiced their concerns as well. “Republicans have always been reasonable, and now they just seem unreasonable,” remarked 68-year-old Margaret Bialecki.

These protests were part of a coordinated effort involving over 200 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms nationwide, dubbed “Take Action at Tesla.” This movement, which began in February, positions itself as a peaceful protest against what it describes as Musk’s illegal political maneuvers.

During the Troy protest, attendees lined the sidewalk, interacting with vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot. The atmosphere turned contentious when Cybertrucks passed by, met with boos from participants, as drivers responded with honks — reflecting a clash of ideologies.

<p“Since Trump began his second term and appointed Musk as a senior advisor, drastic changes have occurred within the federal government. Musk has enlisted a group of tech veterans to streamline operations, often resulting in cuts to diversity and inclusion initiatives, along with potential changes to student loan programs,” several attendees noted.

While mingling between the two protests, I spoke with over 20 demonstrators. A common theme emerged: a fear that the voices of the middle class, minorities, and future generations are being drowned out by affluent figures wielding power in Washington.

“We’ve never had people in government who actually are trying to destroy our government,” claimed 73-year-old Maria Marcotte, also the mother of Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens. She expressed her concern during the protest in Troy.

Another protester, who preferred to remain anonymous, identified the situation as a “core assault on democracy.” She reflected on her life experiences, stating, “I’ve lived through some rough periods, you know the Vietnam Era, but nothing like this.”

Many in Ann Arbor stated that prior to Musk’s political involvement, they regarded him favorably. However, his current actions have altered their perspective. “I was a big fan originally. I wanted to buy a Tesla,” shared 69-year-old Judah Garber. “I’m really most concerned now with his actions in his unelected role as a random people-cutter.”

Ultimately, the participants expressed that the primary aim of their protests is to raise awareness among their communities and influence public opinion, particularly those who may not yet recognize the implications of Musk’s political role.

Gus Teschke, the head of Indivisible’s Ann Arbor chapter, highlighted the positive camaraderie among the attendees, stating, “It’s a party out here.”