• Protests are planned at 277 Tesla dealerships across the U.S. and Europe, demanding Elon Musk's resignation.
• The "Tesla Takedown" movement encourages boycotts and protests against Musk's influence in government.
• Organizers aim to raise awareness about Tesla's declining sales and quality amid rising competition.
• Some protests have experienced violence, resulting in vandalism against Tesla properties.
• Musk's actions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are under scrutiny.

Protests erupted in multiple cities across the United States and parts of Europe on March 30, 2025, demanding the resignation of Elon Musk from his position in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As part of the "Tesla Takedown" initiative, activists staged demonstrations at 277 Tesla dealerships, urging Musk to step down due to his controversial role in influencing government policy and cutting spending. Alongside environmental activists and Tesla customers, protestors voiced their concerns about Musk's rising political power and the implications for democracy.

The protests reflect a growing public backlash against Musk's involvement in governance. Many demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with Tesla's declining product quality and alleged anti-union practices. Notably, Tesla's sales have plummeted recently, making this a critical moment for activists seeking to put financial pressure on the automaker. Protesters in major U.S. cities—including New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles—carried signs that read, "Stop Musk, Save Democracy" and "No Billionaire Should Control Government."

In response to the public outrage, Musk defended his actions, claiming he has not engaged in violence despite the chaos surrounding the protests. He mentioned in a recent post on X, “It’s insanely ironic that the people shooting bullets into Tesla stores, burning down cars, and generally being violent are calling me a Nazi when I have done literally zero violence at all.” Protests have also escalated in intensity, with incidents of vandalism reported as vehicles were damaged or burned. Such violence has prompted debates over protest tactics, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeling the attacks as "domestic terrorism."

The Tesla Takedown movement has now urged people to actively boycott Tesla products, with aims to dent Musk's wealth by impacting Tesla's stock value. A spokesperson from the movement stated, "We are taking action at Tesla to stop Musk's illegal coup," highlighting the group's frustrations with what they regard as Musk's undermining of democracy. It's made even more poignant by Tesla's declining market share due to increasing competition from traditional automakers like Ford and GM, alongside criticisms concerning labor conditions and product quality.

In Europe, similar protests occurred with demonstrators also criticizing Musk's governance and appealing for an end to what they described as authoritarianism. The coordinated efforts appear to resonate with a larger audience concerned about the balance of power in policymaking. An activist at the New York demonstration stated they grew up understanding the dangers of unchecked power and wanted to prevent what they see as a move toward authoritarianism.

Despite the protests remaining largely nonviolent, the isolated vandalism incidents have led to heightened security at Tesla locations across the nation. Law enforcement is investigating these acts, while Musk has called on his supporters to cease their aggressive actions. He has stated that the real problems lie in the propaganda disseminated by his critics, further complicating the ongoing situation. The frequency and scale of these protests serve as a substantial indicator of public sentiment regarding Musk and the policies he supports.

For more information on this ongoing story, visit NPR, BBC, and Newsweek.