About 150 people representing Indivisible Mandarin, Beaches Activists Movement, Indivisible St. Johns County and other groups, gathered for a rally on February 26, 2025, in front of the Tesla dealership in Jacksonville, Florida. Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union/USA Today Network
Tesla Takedown Protests Gain Momentum Across the U.S. and Internationally
On February 26, 2025, approximately 150 activists gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Jacksonville, Florida, to protest Elon Musk’s controversial role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This demonstration was part of the growing “Tesla Takedown” movement, which has spread to over 50 Tesla showrooms across the United States and is now gaining international traction.
Organized by groups like Indivisible Mandarin and Beaches Activists Movement, the protests aim to pressure Tesla stakeholders to sell their vehicles, dump their stock, and join the movement against Musk’s leadership. The ultimate goal? A vote of no confidence from Tesla shareholders.
Why Are Protesters Targeting Elon Musk and Tesla?
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, began leading DOGE on January 20, 2025. His role has sparked widespread criticism due to:
- Mass layoffs and buyout offers to federal employees.
- Dismantling key agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development.
- Seeking access to sensitive payment systems, raising concerns about privacy and security.
Alex Winter, a Los Angeles-based actor and filmmaker leading the Tesla Takedown movement, told CNN, “We provided people an easy way to protest during a very difficult time.”
Tesla Takedown Goes Global
The movement isn’t limited to the U.S. Protests have already taken place in Barcelona, with more planned in London, Lisbon, and Reykjavik. Demonstrators are chanting slogans like “Elon Musk has got to go” and “DOGE needs to go,” highlighting their frustration with Musk’s influence.
In the U.S., some of the largest protests occurred in Boston, Portland, California, and Florida. In Tucson, Arizona, about 1,000 protesters gathered with signs, while in Washington, D.C., a small demonstration grew rapidly as passersby joined in.
How Tesla Takedown Could Impact Elon Musk’s Wealth
Elon Musk’s net worth is closely tied to Tesla’s stock performance. He owns nearly 411 million shares, or 13% of the company. Declining sales and investor confidence could significantly impact Tesla’s value, which accounts for much of Musk’s wealth.
- Tesla’s global sales dropped by 1.1% in 2024, marking its first annual decline in 12 years.
- Between December 2024 and January 2025, sales fell by 16%, following a 24% drop the previous year.
Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds, noted that while the protests may not immediately impact Tesla’s sales, the negative attention surrounding Musk’s DOGE role isn’t helping the company’s reputation.
What’s Next for Tesla Takedown?
The movement’s organizers hope to see continued pressure on Tesla and Musk. Donna Powell, a retiree and frequent protester, told CNN, “We want to see Tesla stock continue to decline and Musk hurt. We also hope Congress will step up and do their job.”
While it’s unclear how much impact the protests will have, the movement has already succeeded in drawing attention to Musk’s controversial role and its potential consequences for Tesla.
Key Takeaways from the Tesla Takedown Movement
- Protests are spreading globally, with demonstrations in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
- Elon Musk’s leadership in DOGE is the primary focus, with critics citing layoffs, agency dismantling, and privacy concerns.
- Tesla’s sales and stock performance could be impacted by the growing backlash.
Join the Conversation
Are you concerned about Elon Musk’s role in DOGE and its impact on Tesla? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join a local Tesla Takedown protest to make your voice heard. Together, we can hold leaders accountable and demand transparency.
#TeslaTakedown #ElonMusk #DOGEProtest #TeslaProtests #MuskControversy
