Protests against Elon Musk hit Tesla stores across US

Boston: Protests erupted outside Tesla dealerships across the United States as demonstrators targeted CEO Elon Musk over his controversial actions and close alignment with President Donald Trump. Crowds gathered in cities including Boston, New York, and Palo Alto, California, voicing opposition to Musk’s push for slashing government spending and restructuring federal agencies under Trump’s administration.

The protests are part of a broader movement against Musk’s political involvement, which critics argue undermines Congressional authority and serves his business interests. Liberal groups have organized these demonstrations to mobilize opposition to Musk’s growing influence in Washington and energize a Democratic base unsettled by Trump’s leadership.

Protesters called for a boycott of Tesla products, urging investors to sell their stock and consumers to avoid purchasing vehicles from the company. The growing backlash has not only been political but also social, with multiple Tesla dealerships targeted by vandalism. Some incidents involved cars being spray-painted with swastikas, while others escalated to more severe attacks, such as Molotov cocktails thrown at a dealership in Colorado. Authorities have charged individuals in connection with these acts of vandalism.

Despite the controversies, Musk’s wealth remains substantial, with an estimated net worth of $359 billion. However, Tesla’s stock has suffered a notable decline since Trump took office. The company has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the protests and ongoing criticisms.

Protest organizers have pledged to continue demonstrations throughout March, with events planned in cities across the US, as well as in England, Spain, and Portugal.

With IANS inputs