Tesla has introduced a more affordable version of its Model 3 in Europe, aiming to boost sales amid concerns over Elon Musk’s partnership with Donald Trump and a decline in electric car demand.
Musk, the CEO of the electric vehicle manufacturer, believes that this lower-priced variant, which was rolled out in the US last October, will stimulate demand by appealing to a broader audience.
The new Model 3 Standard is priced at €37,970 (£33,166), NOK 330,056 (£24,473), and SEK 449,990 (£35,859) in Germany. This release comes after Tesla’s successful launch of the affordable Model Y SUV in both Europe and the United States.
While the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y versions forgo some luxury finishes and features found in pricier models, they still provide over 300 miles (480 km) of range.
Tesla’s sales have decreased in Europe as it contends with growing competition from Chinese rival BYD, which became the first company in the area to outpace the U.S. electric car maker earlier this spring.
Additionally, buyer backlash against Musk’s support for Trump’s political endeavors has adversely affected sales across the EU.
Musk, who implemented significant layoffs while leading the Office of Government Efficiency, stepped down in May following disagreements with President Trump regarding the “big, beautiful” tax and spending legislation.
Furthermore, Musk has distanced potential clients through various controversial political actions, including a Nazi salute at Trump’s victory rally, endorsing Germany’s far-right AfD party, and accusing Keir Starmer and other prominent British politicians of concealing scandals related to gang raids.
Critics warn that a new tax on electric vehicles introduced in last month’s Budget could dampen demand in the UK. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK electric vehicle sales rose by only 3.6% in November, marking the slowest growth in two years.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, stated: “[This] sustained increase in demand for EVs should be regarded as a wake-up call that we cannot take this for granted. Instead of penalizing drivers, we must seize every chance to motivate them to transition to electric vehicles.”
The Chancellor’s forthcoming pay-per-mile road tax for EVs will impose a charge of 3p per mile starting in April 2028, resulting in an average annual cost of about £250 for drivers.
Researchers focused on the quest for extraterrestrial life are actively searching, as aliens have yet to appear on Earth to join us in a galactic federation. Nonetheless, there remains a chance that scientists will find extraterrestrial life close enough for observation, through numerous probes and satellites dispatched throughout our solar system. The anticipation of visitors from the cosmos often generates a constant buzz within the scientific community.extrasolar celestial body passing near the sun.
Many astronomers and astrobiologists are venturing even farther, beyond our solar system and into the realms of other stars. As they cannot deploy instruments to such distant locations for at least several centuries, scientists rely on telescopes to search for indicators of life. These indicators are referred to as biosignatures, which can include elements, molecules, or other characteristics. However, caution is necessary when seeking biosignatures, as measurement inaccuracies and overlooked variables can lead to false positives.
A hypothetical false positive might involve: Exoplanets possessing atmospheres rich in carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas, as well as some hydrogen-oxygen molecules, none of which necessarily indicate life. A powerful burst of matter and energy from an exoplanet’s host star, known as an exoplanet flare, could emit energy that impacts the atmosphere and triggers chemical reactions producing oxygen gas, O2, and ozone, O3. Should astronomers detect these compounds in an exoplanet’s atmosphere, they might mistakenly consider the planet a candidate for life.
Recently, a group of scientists explored how such a scenario could manifest on exoplanets and the potential for false life indicators. They conducted a series of six simulations to create plausible scenarios of a flare impacting an uninhabited Earth-like planet. They selected red dwarfs, the most prevalent star type near Earth, and analyzed data on Earth’s atmospheric and surface chemical composition from 4.5 to 4 billion years ago, during a period dominated by carbon dioxide, N2, and water. They positioned the planet within proximity to its star to receive comparable light levels to what Earth receives from the sun today.
In five of the simulations, they modified the presence of CO.2 and N2, adjusting CO2 levels to make up 3%, 10%, 30%, 60%, or 80% of the atmosphere. The sixth simulation looked at a different atmospheric composition with minimal water. This variant checked for possible extremes in O2 and O3 levels, considering that hydrogen from water can bind with stray oxygen atoms. All simulated atmospheres contained trace amounts of O2 and O3.
Each simulated atmosphere was then subjected to two flares: one of typical strength observed from real red dwarfs, and the other, known as a super flare, which is 100 times stronger and exceedingly rare. The chemical outcomes of these flares were calculated using specialized software called atmos. Following this, they employed the Spectral Mapping Atmospheric Radiative Transfer (SMART) model to simulate observable effects from Earth-based telescopes.
During standard flare events, O2 and O3 levels initially decreased but reverted to their original state approximately 30 years later. Nevertheless, five months post-flare, a slight overshoot in oxygen levels was noted before they normalized.
Analyzing the variations in CO levels, 2, hydrogen gas, and water within exoplanet atmospheres revealed that each can significantly alter the detectability of oxygen molecules by astronomers. Consequently, the impacts of typical flares are subtle and challenging to discern on actual exoplanets. However, in the unique instances simulated involving super flares, notable increases in O2 and O3 occurred, though these levels also nearly returned to pre-flare conditions within 30 years.
Ultimately, the researchers concluded that flares likely have only a minimal and fleeting impact on life detection efforts on these exoplanets. Even if astronomers observed an exoplanet struck by a flare five months prior, the O2 and O3 levels, considering potential measurement errors, would not present as distinctly elevated. Nonetheless, the results from super flare scenarios indicate that further examination of false positives in biosignatures is warranted, as high-energy events can substantially disrupt the environmental conditions of exoplanets.
Elon Musk’s AI startup, Xai, has initiated legal action against OpenAI and Apple, accusing them of anti-competitive practices. This lawsuit, submitted on Monday in a Texas court, alleges a “conspiracy to monopolize the smartphone and generative AI chatbot market.”
Earlier this month, Musk had hinted at legal action against Apple and OpenAI, criticizing ChatGPT and claiming that other AI companies faced barriers to reaching the top of the App Store. Musk’s Xai has developed a chatbot called Grok.
The lawsuit challenges a significant collaboration between Apple and OpenAI. That partnership was announced last year, allowing Apple to integrate OpenAI’s AI functionality into its operating system. Musk’s legal action aims to disrupt one of Apple’s major ventures into AI and OpenAI’s standout partnership, accusing them of “restricting the market.”
According to the complaint, “The defendants have engaged in unlawful agreements and conspiracies to exploit Apple’s monopoly in the US smartphone industry while upholding OpenAI’s dominance in generative AI chatbots.” They are also seeking “billions in damages.”
OpenAI has dismissed Musk’s claims, characterizing the lawsuit as part of his ongoing vendetta against the company. An OpenAI representative stated, “This latest filing is indicative of Musk’s persistent pattern of harassment.”
Apple has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.
This lawsuit marks a new chapter in the longstanding feud between Musk and Altman. The two tech titans co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but have increasingly drifted apart, frequently engaging in legal disputes.
Musk departed from OpenAI after expressing interest in taking control of the organization in 2018, subsequently launching several lawsuits concerning its transition to a for-profit model. Altman and OpenAI have consistently rebuffed Musk’s criticisms, portraying him as a vindictive former associate.
“It’s unfortunate to see this from those we’ve held in high regard. He urged us to push our limits, but when we indicated we might fail, he formed competitor companies and made significant strides towards OpenAI’s mission without him.”
Tensions between Altman and Musk escalated earlier this month following Musk’s accusations directed at Apple. Musk claimed that Apple was manipulating App Store rankings to disadvantage other AI competitors, prompting a public exchange of challenges between the two tech leaders.
“It’s an unexpected assertion given that Elon claims to manipulate X for personal gain while undermining individuals he opposes,” Altman wrote in response to Musk’s claims about Apple’s favoritism toward OpenAI.
Currently, OpenAI is concentrating on a $500 million valuation, poised to become the most valuable private entity at $350 billion, surpassing Musk’s SpaceX, which holds the current title.
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Tesla has experienced a notable decline in quarterly deliveries, marking its second consecutive year of falling sales as demand wanes, influenced by CEO Elon Musk’s political views and the aging vehicle lineup.
In the second quarter, Tesla reported delivering 384,122 vehicles, a decrease of 13.5% from the 443,956 units delivered the same period last year. Analysts had anticipated deliveries of approximately 394,378 vehicles, based on an average estimate from 23 units by financial research firm Visible Alpha. However, forecasts from 10 analysts over the last month have been revised down to around 360,080 units. Analysts view delivery numbers as crucial indicators for evaluating vehicle sales and production success.
Seth Goldstein, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, commented, “The market is reacting less negatively than previously anticipated as several analysts have lowered their forecasts over the past week.”
This year, Tesla’s stock has fallen by 25%, driven by concerns over brand erosion in Europe, where sales are experiencing the most significant downturn, attributed to Musk’s alignment with right-wing politics and his role in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures. Following the public fallout between Trump and Musk in early June, Tesla saw a dramatic loss of about $150 billion in market value. Although there was a partial recovery in stock value the next month, tensions between Trump and Musk intensified amidst discussions of Trump’s expansive tax reforms.
Despite Musk asserting that sales increased in April, Tesla’s delivery dip comes in the context of a steadily expanding global EV market.
Earlier this year, the company revamped its top-selling Model Y crossover to stimulate demand, but the redesign resulted in production delays, leading some customers to postpone purchases while awaiting the updated model.
A significant portion of Tesla’s revenue and profit stem from its core electric vehicle business, while much of its trillion-dollar valuation hinges on Musk’s ambitious projections regarding the conversion of its vehicles to Robotaxis.
Last month, Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in a limited area of Austin, Texas, adhering to several restrictions, including selective invitations and the presence of safety monitors in the passenger seats. Nonetheless, only a handful of pilots were initiated, with around 12 Robotaxis operational. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun investigating the rollout of Tesla’s autonomous driving services.
The automaker anticipates beginning production of more affordable vehicles and enhancing the Model Y by the end of June.
While the introduction of less expensive models may provide a sales boost, Wall Street projects a second consecutive annual decline in sales. To achieve Musk’s objective of returning to growth for the year, Tesla will need to deliver 1 million units in the latter half of the year, a monumental challenge despite the historically strong sales numbers during this period.
Elon Musk has remarked on the loud and public nature of money’s role in American politics, pointing out that it’s typically a quieter affair.
“Without me, Trump would lose the election, the Democrats would control the House, and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. That kind of dissatisfaction,” he stated on his X social media platform amid an ongoing feud with Donald Trump.
When right-wing commentator Laura Rumer mentioned Capitol Hill Republicans debating their allies in the intraparty conflict, Musk hinted at the extent of his influence. “Ah, food for thought, as they consider this: Trump has 3.5 years left as president, but I’m over 40 years old…” Musk wrote on X.
US billionaires frequently wield significant influence in politics, using their wealth to sway government actions. However, few have been as overt and impactful as Musk in the past year, demonstrating the transactions and dysfunction within US governance.
The Trump Judicial War offers a united snapshot of American politics. As the world’s richest individual, Musk has played a notable role in a new governmental initiative targeting the dismantling of unfavorable agencies after financially backing his preferred candidates.
We find ourselves amidst a clash between a billionaire president and an even wealthier Republican donor, both vying over how to reduce aid to the impoverished. As one satirical website observed: “Yeah! These billionaires are arguing over how much money they can siphon from the poor.”
Fifteen years ago, the US Supreme Court determined that corporations and outside groups could spend unlimited amounts on elections, leading to a ruling by Conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy:
Since then, it has become clear that such wealth injections are undermining democracy. Musk’s actions exemplify the already soaring levels of money’s influence in politics, with reports indicating he spent nearly $300 million to support Trump in 2024. We are now witnessing a government dominated by billionaires.
“Fifteen years post-decision, we observe the full consequences of living in a society where not just elections are for sale, but the entire government structure is for sale,” he told Bluwork earlier this year.
Musk is not alone in this arena. During election cycles, ultra-wealthy donors frequently fund candidates of their choice. This has become the standard landscape in current American politics across both parties. Bernie Sanders challenged the Democrats at last year’s convention, stating, “Billionaires in both parties cannot buy elections, even primaries.”
Earlier this year, Musk invested heavily in Wisconsin’s judicial elections but lost to a Democratic opponent. He also donated a smaller amount to Republicans seeking to oppose a judge who resisted the Trump administration. Despite an inconsistent success record, his financial threats remain significant for both parties.
However, due to his unelected status, Musk has been somewhat restricted in his ability to block Trump’s key spending bill. Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” didn’t meet Musk’s stringent expectations for budget cuts or support, and once the administration ceased to fulfill his wishes, he publicly expressed his discontent.
This reflects the volatile alliance between Trump and Musk, which began with mutual affection and a central role for billionaires during Trump’s administration. The fact that Musk has such sway over the budget process is troubling. Trump indicated that Musk was aware of the bill’s contents, suggesting that the administration sought his approval before any public fallout.
Musk has adopted a bold approach to political spending, which is rare among the ultra-wealthy, who generally let their financial contributions do the talking. A charitable expert previously noted to the Guardian that Musk’s distinctiveness lies in his “permanent discretion as a mode of political engagement.”
Now, Musk rallies his followers on X to sway Congress and halt the bill. This could prove effective as Republican lawmakers grapple with the ideological pressures of a president and a mega-donor known for his vindictive tendencies.
Within right-wing media, these conflicts have created divisions. At Breitbart, one commentator remarked that Trump “pokes a finger in the eyes of his biggest donor and it never ends well.” Another piece in American Spectator claimed Musk hadn’t picked Trump. However, the Washington Examiner praised Musk’s opposition to the bill, suggesting that Trump’s budget plan “deserves to fail.”
“I don’t care if Elon disagrees with me, but he should have voiced that a few months ago,” Trump said as he wrapped up a series of critiques targeting Musk. The president also remarked that Musk had “lost his nerve” during a recent television interview.
So far, Republican figures have rallied behind Trump, with JD Vance proclaiming, “President Trump has done more than anyone else in my lifetime to gain the movement’s trust.”
If Musk ultimately falters, he could take his wealth and seek influence elsewhere. He has floated the idea of forming a third political party, a notion that has failed in the past, but his financial clout and forceful personality might invigorate this endeavor. The Democrats already rely heavily on wealthy benefactors and would welcome a potential shift from Musk. Democratic Representative Ro Khannaproposed that the party should reach out to him.
Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley and encourages the left to embrace economic populism, faced significant backlash from his party for his comments but stood by them.
“If Biden criticized a major supporter, Trump would have embraced him the next day,” he posted on X.
The rift between the richest individual globally and the leader of the largest economy carries significant repercussions for both parties.
Elon Musk, who heads various companies including Tesla, and Donald Trump, who has gained from Musk’s backing during his presidency, share a symbiotic relationship.
Here are ten potential ways in which Musk and Trump could damage each other’s interests if they fail to reach an agreement.
Actions Trump Could Take Against Musk
Terminate government contracts linked to Musk’s business
In reaction to Musk’s criticism of his tax and spending plan, Trump expressed on his social media platform that canceling a contract with a billionaire could reduce government expenditures.
“The quickest way to save billions is to cut Elon’s government subsidies and contracts. I am surprised Biden hasn’t done that!” Trump stated.
The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported on allegations of widespread drug use by Musk, raising concerns over NASA’s requirements for contractors like SpaceX to maintain a drug-free environment. The Times indicated that Musk received significant warnings regarding this matter. SpaceX has not commented.
In response to the allegations from last month, Musk stated: In 2024 I mentioned that I occasionally used ketamine based on a doctor’s prescription.
Question Musk’s immigration status
Trump supporter and prominent “alt-right” figure Steve Bannon suggested to the Times that Musk’s immigration status warrants investigation.
“They need to formally investigate his immigration status because I genuinely believe he is an illegal alien and should be deported promptly,” Bannon declared regarding Musk, who was born in South Africa and is a US citizen.
Utilize presidential authority against Musk
Observing Trump’s election, many noted the myriad opportunities for a Musk-friendly administration to bolster the economic benefits for the world’s richest. However, what might have been a supportive environment can equally turn adversarial.
Richard Pierce, a law professor at George Washington University and an expert on government regulation, remarked at the time:
Exclusion from influential circles
Trump has the ability to ostracize Musk within the “Make America Great Again” movement. Republican Rep. Troy Nairs criticized the billionaire, stating, “You’ve been a nuisance.” He added, “It’s more than enough.”
While Musk can weather such opposition, his considerable wealth makes him a crucial source of funds for Republican campaigns.
Potential Actions Musk Could Use Against Trump
Leverage X for political influence
Musk can harness his X platform and its over 220 million followers to bolster Trump’s campaign efforts for 2024. This can also serve as a venue for promoting far-right ideologies that align with the MAGA agenda.
Theoretically, Musk could use his X account to criticize Trump with the same fervor that has previously energized his policies (Musk is a frequent user of his platform).
However, this approach hinges on Musk’s perceived impact among US voters. According to the Pew Research Center, five in ten American adults view Musk unfavorably, though it is noteworthy that seven out of ten Republican adults have a favorable opinion.
Establish a new political party
With a valuation exceeding $300 billion, Musk has the capability to redirect substantial resources away from the Republican Party and form a new political entity. He has expressed a willingness to invest $250 million into Trump’s 2024 campaign and is keen to engage deeply in political matters.
Recently, he posted a poll on x, querying, “Is it time to establish a new political party in America that truly reflects 80% of the populace?” Over 80% of the 4.8 million respondents answered “Yes.”
Engender geopolitical complexities in business dealings
The Starlink Satellite Broadband Platform, managed by Musk’s SpaceX, plays a vital role in the Ukraine conflict against Russian invasion, yet China remains a significant market for Tesla. Through his ventures, Musk maintains political connections globally, often seen with world leaders. However, any damage to Trump’s international stature and profits must be weighed against potential repercussions for Musk’s business interests.
Pose challenges for NASA
NASA maintains a strategic partnership with Musk’s SpaceX, utilizing its Dragon spacecraft for astronaut transport to the International Space Station. Musk has hinted at plans to phase out the Dragon program entirely. Nevertheless, SpaceX is integral to NASA’s operations for the ISS.
Influence within Trump’s circle
Musk has been a consistent presence in Trump’s inner circle, as illustrated by the content on his X account, where he can deliver pointed critiques that might have far-reaching effects. However, individuals within Trump’s inner circle could also have access to Musk, with personal matters making headlines in the media.
Voters are also casting their ballots to elect the inaugural mayor of Star Base, along with two additional mayors. All candidates for these positions are employees of SpaceX and are running unopposed.
As of Tuesday, early voting records from the county indicate that 181 individuals, including candidates for mayor and city commissioner, have already participated. Data on the masks eligible for voting in this special Cameron County election has yet to be included in early voting statistics.
It remains unclear why SpaceX and the Masks wish to establish their own city in this area. The company has not provided any feedback to inquiries for clarification.
SpaceX’s Mega Rocket Starship is undergoing preparations for a test flight from Starbase in Bocachica, Texas on January 12th. Eric Gay/AP File
According to Cameron County election manager Remi Garza, the county’s authority over city matters is quite limited.
“They lack the ability to regulate expansion or establish standards in the same manner that local governments can, which can adopt city codes, building regulations, and more,” he noted, emphasizing that cities significantly influence planning and development.
Elon Musk first mentioned the concept of a city called Starbase back in 2021. Coastal Spot is where SpaceX manufactures boosters and engines, as well as launching a massive Starship rocket for test flights.
Visitors are seen near a large bust of Elon Musk outside Starbase in SpaceX, Bocachica, Texas on March 5th. Eric Gay/AP File
As city governance expands, certain bureaucratic hurdles related to these activities could be mitigated. However, earlier this week, Texas lawmakers voted against a bill that would have granted SpaceX significant control over public beach access adjacent to the launch site.
Generally, SpaceX must secure approval from Cameron County officials to restrict public access to Bocachica Beach and Bocachica State Parks during rocket launches for safety reasons.
Frequent closures have led to legal challenges against SpaceX, inciting protests from local residents and activist groups, including the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe in Texas, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and Border Workers United. As reported by CNBC.
sDevelopment cost. A long-term production cycle. Careful C-sweets that are trying to provide shareholders with reliable returns: For many reasons, big-budget video games lack original programming. Already this year we have seen the arrival of the 7th Mainline Civilization Game, the 14th entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and the 27th Monster Hunter title of all the brain melting. But let’s take a look. This is a magical, authentic story with moody, hurricane-difficult imagination in America’s Deep South.
Midnight South gives a wonderfully atmospheric first impression. BL links with dim wind. It rains on the tin roof. The world is rendered in the creepy, bent details of Tim Burton’s films. Within minutes, the home of high school athlete Hazel and her mother, a social worker, are transported along the flooded river. Play as Hazel, you chase and run the boundaries with whimsical teenage wanderings across different platforms until the storms are harmonious. Then there are miles of stagnant, unfurried swamps. At one horrifying point, we explore a farm stacked with dead pigs that did not survive the typhoon.
As the main character, Hazel holds himself against this vivid and unusual world (at least for video games). With a mere flick of her wrist, a metaphysical sickle-like blade, Hazel tears through reality itself. This brave and determined young woman is a weaver, skilled at magically dispelling the unpleasant spirit that lurks in the shrilling glass bottles of her southern home. As a weaver, she can see a spectacular tapestry of a massive universe where myths, reality, time and space collide. Looking into the past, she learns the ancestors who helped her free slaves and tragic children die.
Vivid and unusual… Midnight South. Photo: Xbox Game Studio
Layout an energy-sprinting imaginative food stall in the south of midnight. The action-packed chapter whisks the action-packed chapter from Bios to chilly mountains, which feel like they’re bordering towards Appalachia. The atmosphere is thick – sometimes it becomes a little too thick. A friendly guide to this folktales is the giant catfish who speak in a clear Creole roll, especially about the classic Southern Dish Grits.
However, in actual performances, Midnight South is simply thin. With its almost linear mix of 3D platforms and close combat, the game evokes the PlayStation 2 era title. However, neither element has much personality. The brawl looks stylish and ends with a brutal finishing move where Hazel unleashes the very fabric of her wraith-like enemy presence. Truly, it lacks the depth and expressive possibilities of titles such as God’s War. The platform feels floating, from one prominently painted white shelf to another. And it just feels normative and clunky.
A team of visual artists, sound designers and screenwriters for the Microsoft-owned studio, Forced Games, created this sturdy, rustic place, but was able to be reverted with the gameplay of heartfelt smoothness. At various points, you have to escape from the vague, misty beings. However, these sequences are simple enough to lack dramatic tension. It is repeated many times throughout the approximately 12-hour period of the game, with the difficulty increasing slightly each time.
The other loops grate when time is stacked. Clear this area of decaying material (visual symptoms of land pain and trauma). Check out another lightly animated flashback. This lovingly described portrayal of Minami is rich and arrested, but the game is memorization.
All you’re left is a game where all the best ideas are optical. The Southern style of fairy tales unfolds like modern, summoning some of the whimsical and damaged beauty of 2012’s Beast of the Southern Wild, while taking on Toni Morrison’s fiction. The soundtrack is a rough collage of Howling Blues, awful folk and light-hearted jazz. Forced Game bottled a lot of Southern magic during the creation of this seemingly dangerous gambit for Microsoft, but it couldn’t take risks where it really matters.
In the early hours of Donald Trump’s inauguration, a man wearing a long black cape and a face mask moved his cart on the Oregon sidewalk. He headed to the Tesla showroom in Salem, where his cart appeared to be packed with Molotov cocktails, according to court documents. He took out the handmade explosives one by one, set them on fire, and lobbed them at a glass wall dealer.
By the time Salem police arrived, the showroom windows had shattered, a fire had burned in front of the sidewalk, and a nearby Tesla sedan had flapped, and Vandal’s suspicions had fled. The entire scene was caught up in security footage, according to affidavits from special agents of the Alcohol Bureau, cigarettes, firearms, and explosives (ATF). The showroom’s general manager estimated $500,000 in damages, with seven vehicles struggling and one completely destroyed.
Above: There is a bullet hole left in the Tesla dealer window Bottom: Damaged Tesla Dealer Photo: Salem Police Station
The vandalism incident has been one of dozens of people struck the charging stations of Tesla dealers, cars, and electric car makers nationwide since Trump took office. Many have an explicit message in protest against Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and senior adviser to the president. Musk was the head of the informal so-called “Doctors of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), making it privileged to overhaul the federal government. It ordered tens of thousands of employees to be fired, cut agency budgets and eliminated the entire department. His hard-pressed approach, which aims to be institutions such as the National Weather Service, the Ministry of Education, and the Social Security Agency, has elicited backlash and criticism nationwide.
Thousands have taken part in peaceful protests at Tesla showrooms in cities and towns across the country. For the 54 days since the inauguration, these protests have grown into a wealth of demonstrations from a handful of people in cities like San Francisco, “Hey, hey, Ho Ho, Elon Musk have to go,” with live bands, Hitler’s outfits as musks, and the presence of a large police force. They are also across the Atlantic, demonstrating in the UK and Germany.
As protests have increased, so has vandalism against Tesla brick and more personal vehicles. The Guardian tracked at least three separate incidents, including Molotov cocktails. This is a coordinated theft of nearly 50 Tesla tires and spray-painted Swastica at Tesla facilities from New York to New Mexico. At nearly 20 Tesla showrooms and charging stations, dozens of owners have been giving birth to cars, poop, and hit with singles of craft cheese.
Like the protests, the dirt and destruction of the Tesla facility have also become international, with sedans and cyber trucks targeting at least five countries. In France, Toulouse authorities reported it A dozen cars were torched At the Tesla showroom earlier this month. Another showroom in the Netherlands It’s been doodled Slogans such as “Fuck Off Fascist” and other slogans that called the mask the Nazis. One destruction just as far away as Tasmania I wrote it “Want to drive a swasticar” across the dealer window?
Musk and Tesla did not reply to requests for comment. Musk, in response to police reports from Tesla Bandarism in Massachusetts Posted on x “AKA vandalism that damages another person’s property is not free speech!” Musk also reposted an interview with Valerie Costa, organizer of a non-violent Tesla Takedown demonstration, accusing her of “committing a crime.”
Earlier this week, Trump said he would label the violence against Tesla’s showrooms as domestic terrorist attacks as he was standing next to Musk in front of the White House. “I’m going to stop that,” Trump said. “Because they’re damaging a great American company.”
Trump and Musk will speak to the press from within Tesla in Washington, D.C., on March 11, 2025, in Washington, DC. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
A day later, House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the proposed designation. “Congress will investigate the sources of these attacks and help the DOJ & FBI to ensure that the responsible person is charged to the fullest extent of the law,” Johnson said. Posted on x owned by the social media platform mask.
Mask thanked Johnson with X, adding both a salute and an American flag emoji.
Throws Molotov and fires semi-automatic
He returned in Salem, a month after the suspect first threw a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla dealer. This time he was armed with what police believe to be a semi-automatic rifle.
At about 4am, surveillance footage shows him firing multiple rounds into an empty Tesla showroom, shattering windows again, and hitting a car parked inside the building. Investigators collected bullet fragments, recorded surveillance video and sent remaining Molotov cocktails to the FBI lab in Alabama for fingerprint dust. No one was injured.
ATF agents believe that both cases are linked to Adam Lansky, a Salem resident. Lansky’s lawyers did not reply to requests for comment.
In Loveland, a small town in Colorado, police rushed to Tesla’s showroom in response to a report of a cybertruck fire on January 29th. Under the vehicle they found a consumed Molotov cocktail.
Similar to the Salem case, the suspect in Loveland was returned to the scene, according to court documents. Four days later, the word “Nazi” was spray-painted on the dealer’s sign. Over the next few weeks, the showroom was targeted three more times with Molotov cocktails and graffiti. Lucy Grace Nelson, a resident of the nearby town, has been charged in a series of cases. Her attorney declined to comment on the case.
Police in North Charleston, South Carolina are also investigating vandalism that threw a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla charging station earlier this week, burning both it and itself, forcing staff to cut down on the station’s power. The word “Long Live Ukraine” was spray painted in red on the pavement next to the charging station. Associated Press. The incident was a move that Musk hugged after Trump rewind our support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
A man in black throwing a Molotov cocktail. Photo: Alcohol Bureau, cigarettes, firearms, explosives (ATF)
Also, careful fires have been set up at Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the United States, where Molotov is not available. Earlier this month, seven Tesla charging stations flare up overnight in Littleton, Massachusetts. According to CBS. Police found the first station thick with dark smoke and flames. The fire was also set up for a rural Tesla facility in New Mexico and an electric vehicle that owns an electric vehicle in Seattle, Washington this week.
The Seattle Fire Department informed the Guardian that it discovered four cyber trucks were engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene last Sunday around 11pm. Local news station KOMO News I flew a drone over the wreckage The film then took a photo where a single cyber truck was reduced to “more than a crumbed metal chunk.” According to Komo, the other was burning badly, so the windows melted. Seattle police declined to comment as an investigation is ongoing.
Reports of spray-painted Teslas, showrooms, and charging stations have been ramped nationwide. In Salt Lake City, local police say the word Swastika and the word “Nazi” was discovered both at Tesla Service Center and at another charging station. So did the black Swastika Painted on the charging station In Myers, a small mountain town in California. In Ithaca, New York, along with Swasticus, they were “every Hitler” and “Tesla is a fascist.” It is displayed on a supercharger.
At the Tesla facility in Lynwood, Washington, the vandals targeted a cluster of six cybertrucks, but no other vehicles were touched there.
“We observed red spray paint on each cyber truck,” reads Lynwood’s police report obtained by the Guardian. “The doodles wrote “Fuck Elon”
Donald Trump announced that he was purchasing a “brand new Tesla” and placed blame on the “radical left-handed man” who he claimed was orchestrating an “illegal” boycott. This announcement followed a significant drop in Tesla’s stock price, the worst in nearly five years.
During a press conference, President Trump also declared his intention to classify the violence against Tesla showrooms as domestic terrorism, responding to a reporter’s suggestion that such actions should be labeled as such.
He mentioned that he had spoken with Elon Musk and his son on his White House driveway, with a selection of Tesla cars parked for his choosing. Trump ultimately opted for a red Model S, praising Musk’s contributions to the country.
Trump went on to accuse the “radical left madman” of attempting to illegally boycott Tesla and harm the American automaker, posting his remarks on True Social and affirming his commitment to stopping the damaging boycott efforts.
Despite claims of the boycott being illegal, the Supreme Court ruling from 1972 protects the right of Americans to peacefully protest against private companies, challenging Trump’s stance on the matter.
Tesla’s stock has seen significant declines amid protests and threats linked to Trump’s tariff plans. The TeslaTakeown Group, organizing anti-Tesla protests, insists on their right to peaceful demonstrations outside Tesla showrooms.
Reports indicate a sharp drop in Musk’s net worth over the past year, impacting Tesla’s profits. Tesla board members, including Musk’s brother, have sold off millions in stocks, while Tesla car sales have also declined.
The boycott against Tesla emerged in response to Musk’s controversial “Doge” initiative and concerns over lack of transparency in federal spending. Polls suggest mixed public sentiment towards Musk’s influence and actions.
According to a well-known US Jewish civil society, Donald Trump’s repetitive fascist-style salute could potentially incite violence.
Amy Spitalnick, the highest executive officer of the Jewish Council, a prominent non-profit organization based in New York City, emphasized the problematic nature of Trump’s salute during a recent rally.
Despite attempts to downplay the incident, Spitalnick firmly believes that the salute carries historical connotations and should not be dismissed lightly.
She highlighted the significance of the Nazi salute in political discourse and criticized those who fail to understand the gravity of such gestures.
Spitalnick also pointed out the dangerous implications of Trump’s support for far-right ideologies, urging people to take action against hate speech and extremism.
While some groups attempted to downplay the incident, Spitalnick and the Jewish Council remained steadfast in their condemnation of Trump’s salute.
Amy Spitalnick outside the United Nations in New York City on September 22, 2023. Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Image for New York’s protest movement
Spitalnick expressed disappointment in the lack of accountability from the Trump administration and its tolerance for extremist behavior.
In light of these events, Spitalnick urged people to remain vigilant and not underestimate the potential harm caused by such actions.
Recent respiratory disease epidemics have attracted a lot of attention, yet most respiratory monitoring is limited to physical signals. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is packed with rich molecular information that can reveal various insights into an individual's health. Now, Professor Wei Gao and colleagues at California Institute of Technology have developed EBCare, a mask-based device that monitors EBC biomarkers in real time. For example, the EBCare mask can monitor asthma patients for their levels of nitrite, a chemical that indicates airway inflammation.
This diagram shows how the smart mask detects breathed chemicals, such as nitrite, an indicator of airway inflammation. Images by Wei Gao and Wenzheng Heng, Caltech.
“Monitoring a patient's breathing is routinely done, for example to assess asthma and other respiratory diseases,” Prof Gao said.
“However, this method requires patients to visit a clinic to have a sample taken and then wait for the test results.”
“Since COVID-19, people have started wearing masks. We can leverage this increased use of masks for remote, personalized monitoring to get real-time feedback on one's health from the comfort of one's own home or office.”
“For example, we could use this information to evaluate how effective a medical treatment is.”
To selectively analyze the chemicals and molecules in your breath, you first need to cool them down and condense them into a liquid.
In a clinical setting, this cooling step is separate from the analysis: Moistbreath samples are cooled in a bucket of ice or a large refrigerated cooler.
The EBCare mask, on the other hand, is self-cooling, according to the team.
The breath is cooled by a passive cooling system that integrates hydrogel evaporative cooling and radiative cooling to effectively cool the breath on the facemask.
“This mask represents a new paradigm for respiratory and metabolic disease management and precision medicine because wearing it daily allows for easy collection of breath samples and real-time analysis of exhaled chemical molecules,” said Wen-zheng Heng, a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology.
“Breath condensate contains soluble gases as well as non-volatile substances in the form of aerosols and droplets, including metabolic products, inflammatory indicators and pathogens.”
Once the breath is converted into liquid, a series of capillaries in a device called bioinspired microfluidics immediately transports the liquid to a sensor for analysis.
“We learned how to transport water from plants, which use capillary action to pull water up from the ground,” Professor Gao said.
“The analysis results are then sent wirelessly to an individual's phone, tablet or computer.”
“The smart mask can be prepared at a relatively low cost. The materials are designed to cost just $1.”
To test the masks, the authors conducted a series of human studies, focusing primarily on patients with asthma or COPD.
The researchers specifically monitored the patients' breath for nitrite, a biomarker of inflammation in both diseases.
Results showed that the masks accurately detected biomarkers indicative of inflammation in patients' airways.
In a separate experiment, the masks demonstrated that they could accurately detect subjects' blood alcohol levels, suggesting that they could potentially be used for field DUI checks and other alcohol consumption monitoring.
We also explored how the mask can be used to assess blood urea levels in the monitoring and management of kidney disease.
As kidney function declines, by-products of protein metabolism, such as urea, accumulate in the blood.
At the same time, the amount of urea in saliva increases, which breaks down into ammonia gas, leading to high ammonium concentrations in the breath condensate.
The study showed that the smart mask could accurately detect ammonium levels, closely reflecting the urea concentration in blood.
“Our smart mask platform for EBC collection and analysis represents a major advancement in the potential for real-time monitoring of lung health,” said Professor Harry Rossiter, director of the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
“This concept, with the potential to add biosensors for a wide range of compounds in the future, highlights the groundbreaking potential of smart masks in health monitoring and diagnostics.”
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