Protests Against Elon Musk’s Influence on DOGE Intensify: Tesla Showrooms Face 5th Week of Demonstrations | CNN Business

Elon Musk’s influence as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency is stirring strong reactions. Nearly 90 Tesla showrooms across the U.S. are facing protests in what has been dubbed the “Tesla Takedown” movement. This initiative, which began about five weeks ago, is fueled by dissatisfaction over Musk’s decisions that affect federal staffing and budgets.

Protesters are urging others to sell their Teslas and dump their stocks as a way to show their disapproval of Musk’s leadership. The movement was sparked by actor and filmmaker Alex Winter and Boston University professor Joan Donovan. They’ve managed to rally local organizers in about 28 states, with demonstrators showing up at Tesla showrooms carrying signs like “Honk if you hate Elon” and “Sell your swasticar.”

Tesla hasn’t commented on the protests. Meanwhile, the efforts to change government agencies continue. Recently, there were attempts to shut down the U.S. Institute of Peace and cut a significant portion of the staff at the IRS.

Joan Donovan noted the wide array of individuals participating in the protests. “There’s no walk of life that DOGE doesn’t touch,” she said, emphasizing the diverse crowd.

One protest in Rockville, Maryland, attracted over 400 people. This number shows a marked increase in participation compared to earlier demonstrations. Attendees like Karen Metchis, a former EPA employee, believe it’s important to make the movement visible, even if immediate changes aren’t apparent.

A first-time protester, Mike Murray, described the demonstrations as a testament to “the American spirit at work.” Another attendee, Glenn Popson, suggested that selling Teslas and shares could pressure Musk to reconsider his approach to rights and governance.

Musk still holds about 411 million shares of Tesla, constituting a 13% stake in the company. He recently advised employees to “hang on to your stock,” as Tesla shares have seen a decline from a peak of $479.86 in December to $248.71.

Recent statistics reveal that Tesla vehicles from 2017 and newer accounted for 1.4% of overall trade-ins from March 1 to March 16, significantly higher than the 0.4% seen in March 2024. This rise signals a shift in consumer sentiment that may indeed be reaching Musk.

The unrest brings to mind past movements against corporate leaders and their influence on government policy. Just as citizens rallied against figures like Andrew Carnegie during the Gilded Age, today’s protesters are making their voices heard against a titan of the tech industry.

Protests like the Tesla Takedown illustrate how public sentiment can push back against powerful figures. It’s a reminder that, no matter how influential, leaders must stay aware of the people they affect.



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