Protests Against Elon Musk and Tesla Escalate in U.S. and Europe

Protests against tech billionaire and U.S. government advisor Elon Musk have intensified across the United States and are now spreading to Europe, with demonstrations targeting both Musk’s political influence and his electric vehicle company, Tesla.

In the U.S., demonstrations have been staged outside Tesla stores in multiple cities, including New York, Florida, Arizona, and Boston, as well as in Republican-led states like Kentucky, Missouri, and Nebraska. Protesters carried signs with slogans such as “Stop the Steal,” “No Dictators in the USA,” and “Elon must go.” The backlash follows mass layoffs at U.S. government agencies, reportedly initiated under Musk’s advisement.

See also: Tesla Cuts Model Y Prices Ahead of Expected Facelift Launch

Authorities in Massachusetts are investigating a fire that damaged seven Tesla charging stations, which police suspect was deliberately set. “At this point, it does appear that it was a set fire,” said Steele McCurdy, fire chief of Littleton. Local police, in coordination with the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, are treating the incident as arson. No injuries were reported.

The protests have extended beyond demonstrations. In France, a dozen Tesla vehicles were destroyed in a suspected arson attack at a dealership near Toulouse. Meanwhile, in Germany, an environmental activist group claimed responsibility for setting fire to two construction cranes and cable ducts, citing opposition to Tesla’s factory in Grünheide. The fires disrupted rail traffic and targeted a construction company allegedly working with Tesla and Deutsche Bahn, which is planning a freight station near the Tesla plant.

See also: U.S. Government’s $400 Million ‘Armored Tesla’ Contract Raises Questions After Elections

Calls to boycott Tesla have gained traction, with the “Tesla Takedown” campaign urging shareholders to sell Tesla stock in an effort to impact Musk’s personal wealth, which is largely tied to the company. Several celebrities have also announced plans to sell their Tesla vehicles in response to the controversy.

Source: cbsnews.com, insideevs.com, france24.com, teslarati.com