Numerous individuals worldwide protested against the efforts of Donald Musk and Donald Trump on Saturday to dismantle the US federal government.
The protest organizers called on people to refrain from buying Tesla, selling Tesla stocks, or participating in the “Tesla Takedown” movement.
One of the group’s taglines read, “To hurt Tesla is to stop Musk. Stopping Musk helps save lives and our democracy.”
Over 200 events were scheduled globally on Saturday, starting in Australia and New Zealand in front of Tesla showrooms before spreading to Europe in countries like Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. Each rally had a unique theme organized locally. In Ireland, it was “destroying the fash,” while in Switzerland, it was “down with the Doge.” Photos were posted on Bluesky by Tesla Takedown from San Jose, California, close to Tesla’s former headquarters, and from Austin, Texas, where the headquarters is currently located.
The world’s wealthiest Musk leads the so-called “Ministry of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), tasked with cutting the US federal budget, which includes laying off thousands of workers. Musk and Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.
In San Francisco, around 200 people gathered in front of a Tesla showroom, urging others to disrupt busy streets and medians to oppose self-driving roads.
Many demonstrations included protests with signs and chants. Acts of disruption were seen, including impeding postal trucks, public buses, and fire engines. One group had signs with slogans like “Burn your sw before you burn,” and “doge bags no.” A massive American flag was also displayed upside down.
The Brocklong Tesla showroom had cleared out all cars with security guards inside and San Francisco police officers outside. A group wearing red maga hats and black dog shirts also passed through the crowd without incident.
Protester Myra Levy and friend Karen Heistler expressed their reasons for opposing the Tesla movement.
Sales representatives in Berkeley, California, reported that Tesla showrooms were closed every Saturday due to weekly protests. A lively scene included spray-painting a cardboard cyber truck. The manager declined to comment on previous red paint incidents in the showroom.
Planet over Profit organizer Sophie Shepherd clarified that the London rally was not specifically against electric vehicles, but rather against the individuals associated with Tesla.
Marty, an 82-year-old protester, expressed concerns about the current state of the country and its leadership.
Protests occurred across the US, with numerous demonstrations planned across different states. London also saw dozens of demonstrators outside the Tesla showroom.
Organizers emphasized the importance of continued protest and peaceful demonstration against Musk, Trump, and Cruzi.
Organizers condemned violent acts against Tesla showrooms, affirming that they are a non-violent grassroots movement. They denounced vandalism and emphasized the importance of peaceful, lawful protests.
Harry Taylor contributed to the report.
Source: www.theguardian.com
