Large-scale protests against Tesla unfold worldwide
The ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement has announced its largest global protest action planned for March 29. Thousands of activists are preparing to demonstrate outside Tesla showrooms, dealerships, and charging stations. Protesters are opposing Elon Musk’s influence on political processes and his support for Donald Trump.
Between peaceful protest and radical actions
The confrontation between Tesla Takedown activists and U.S. authorities is intensifying ahead of the planned global protest action on March 29. According to TechCrunch, at least 213 protest actions are planned worldwide – from Colorado and Kentucky to Germany, Minnesota, France, and Texas.
The Trump administration and Elon Musk are intensifying their rhetoric against protesters. During an appearance on Fox News, Musk declared his intention to ‘pursue those who fund protests and spread lies and propaganda.’ Without providing evidence, he accused Tesla Takedown organizers of receiving funding through ActBlue – a nonprofit organization that supports progressive movements and Democratic candidates.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is threatening legal action against protest coordinators and sponsors, despite the lack of evidence of organized criminal activity. Moreover, she accused Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of ‘inciting insurrection’ following her speech at a virtual Tesla Takedown rally, although the speech contained clear calls for nonviolent protest.
Experts warn against the dangerous trend of equating peaceful protests with terrorism. Mike Herman, a former FBI special agent, emphasizes: ‘The U.S. law enforcement system primarily protects the property of the wealthy. Corporations have powerful political influence and access to high-ranking law enforcement officials. When their interests are threatened, especially through protests, they try to present it as a law enforcement issue rather than legitimate public concern about their activities.’
Tesla Takedown movement organizers continue to emphasize the peaceful nature of the protests. ‘Our goal is not physical harm to Tesla or Musk, but rather to decrease the company’s stock value. It’s his wealth that gives him the ability to influence the federal government,’ explains Natasha Purdum, an organizer from New Jersey. Today, Musk owns approximately 13% of Tesla shares, worth about $107.8 billion, which has allowed him to donate over $260 million to support Trump’s campaign.
Stephanie Frizzell, an organizer from Dallas, emphasizes: ‘Authoritarian regimes have a long history of equating peaceful protests with violence. The Tesla Takedown movement has always been and remains nonviolent. Their goal is to intimidate us into silence when we speak out against Musk’s destructive actions, but protecting freedom of speech is fundamental to democracy. We will not back down.’
The confrontation between Tesla Takedown activists and Elon Musk demonstrates the growing polarization in society and large corporations’ attempts to suppress civil society voices. The situation requires vigilant attention and preservation of the right to peaceful protest.
