Tesla vehicles, charging stations targeted as protesters denounce DOGE, Elon Musk

Rising Protests Against Tesla and Elon Musk: A Wave of Vandalism and Political Tensions

In recent weeks, a growing wave of protests targeting Tesla car owners, dealerships, and charging stations has swept across the United States. These incidents, which range from vandalism to arson and even violent acts, appear to be linked to widespread dissatisfaction with Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, and his association with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE, a controversial initiative aimed at reducing federal government waste and fraud, has become a focal point for political tensions, with many progressive groups and individuals expressing outrage over what they perceive as extreme cuts and policies that harm vulnerable communities. Musk’s involvement with DOGE has seemingly made him—and by extension, Tesla—a symbolic target for these protests.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred in Oregon, where a Tesla dealership located just 10 miles south of Portland was targeted by gunshots. The attack damaged multiple cars and shattered windows, raising concerns about the escalating nature of these protests. Earlier in the month, a man was arrested in Salem, Oregon, after Molotov cocktails were thrown at a Tesla dealership, according to the Salem Statesman-Journal. These violent acts have left many wondering whether the protests are crossing a dangerous line into criminal territory. In Massachusetts, the situation has been no less concerning. Several Tesla charging stations were set on fire, with firefighters arriving to find multiple Superchargers engulfed in flames and thick, heavy smoke. Authorities in Littleton confirmed that more than half a dozen chargers were damaged in the incident, which they suspect was intentional.

The protests are not limited to physical attacks on property. In Brookline, Massachusetts, a Boston man was recently arrested after he was caught on video allegedly vandalizing Tesla vehicles by tagging them with decals featuring Musk’s likeness. The suspect, who later shared the footage on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), claimed that his actions were protected under “free speech” when confronted by police. However, law enforcement made it clear that vandalism is not free speech and that the man’s actions constituted a violation of property rights. “We’d like to speak with the suspect so we can educate him on the difference between ‘free speech,’ and vandalizing property belonging to others,” Brookline police wrote in a Facebook post prior to his arrest.

The events in Oregon and Massachusetts are part of a broader pattern of protests and incidents that have been reported nationwide. In Colorado, a 42-year-old individual named Lucy Grace Nelson (also known as Justin Thomas Nelson) was charged with multiple felonies after police discovered explosives and concerning messages at a Tesla dealership. Nelson faces charges including malicious destruction of property, use of explosives or incendiary devices, felony criminal mischief, and criminal attempt to commit felonies, according to a statement from the Loveland Police Department. These incidents have highlighted the growing intensity of the backlash against Musk and his perceived alignment with the Trump administration’s policies.

The protests appear to be at least partially organized by progressive groups that are critical of Musk’s involvement with DOGE. One such organization, Indivisible, which was founded by former Democratic congressional staffers, has actively encouraged liberals to take action against Musk. The group has even provided a “tool kit” that outlines steps for planning and executing demonstrations at Tesla dealerships, showrooms, and factories. While the group likely did not condone the violent acts that have occurred, its rhetoric has been interpreted by some as fueling the tensions that have led to these incidents. On Saturday, protesters rallied outside Tesla dealerships in locations such as Decatur, Georgia, holding signs that denounced both Musk and DOGE.

The situation has also drawn attention from lawmakers and media figures, who are increasingly concerned about the tone and direction of the protests. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) recently expressed her concerns on Fox News, suggesting that some politicians may be encouraging the targeting of Musk for political gain. “People have said that they know that Elon Musk, hitting him, attacking him, is actually good for their polling numbers,” Luna said. “So, they’re going to continue to do it.” Musk himself has spoken about the personal risks he now faces, including an increase in threats on his life. These developments have raised questions about the limits of political activism and the responsibility of public figures to condemn violence and vandalism.

As the protests continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Musk, Tesla, and the government will respond. While some have called for stricter enforcement of laws and greater protection for Tesla properties, others argue that the underlying issues driving the protests—such as concerns over DOGE’s impact on federal programs—need to be addressed. For now, the wave of anti-Musk and anti-DOGE sentiment shows no signs of abating, leaving many to wonder where the line between peaceful protest and criminal behavior is being drawn.