Demonstrations against CEO Elon Musk and Tesla's financial dealingsBoston, New York City, and Palo Alto, are fueled by a growing backlash to Musk’s perceived influence in Washington.

On Saturday, over 50 organized protests took place, with movements in locations such as Tucson, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Dayton. Activists aim to discourage purchases of Tesla vehicles and urge boycotts against the automaker, claiming Musk's leadership supports government cuts driven by President Donald Trump. “We can get back at Elon,” stated Nathan Phillips, a 58-year-old ecologist participating in the Boston demonstration. He added, “We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and boycotting Tesla.”

The protests have evolved into a politically charged movement criticizing Musk’s association with Trump and the actions of his so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Critics allege that Musk's activities disregard Congress's budgetary authority and could foster conflicts of interest due to his ownership of multiple high-profile companies, including SpaceX and the social media platform X.

Reports of vandalism at Tesla dealerships have created further tension, with owners finding their vehicles targeted with swastikas amidst concerns over rising antisemitism. Federal prosecutors apprehended individuals tied to assaults on a Colorado dealership involving Molotov cocktails, a move that underscores the growing hostilities connected to these protests.

The atmosphere of the demonstrations varied, with events in Boston featuring a festive ambiance supported by a brass band. Amid chants and colorful signs, one particularly pointed slogan read, “Stop Elon and his despicable Muskrats.” In contrast, some protests turned violent, leading to nine arrests in New York City, though authorities did not specify the charges.

Despite the public outcry, the White House remains adamant that protests will not hinder their agenda relating to government restructuring, with spokesperson Harrison Fields asserting that Musk and Trump remain committed to their initiatives.

As these demonstrations continue, Tesla’s stock has experienced fluctuations, reportedly down nearly a third since Trump’s tenure began, yet it remains above its value from a year ago. Meanwhile, Musk holds an estimated net worth of $359 billion, according to Forbes.