- Celebrities, politicians, and activists are protesting Tesla and Elon Musk. Figures like Senator Mark Kelly and actor Jason Bateman are publicly denouncing Musk’s political influence.
- Musk faces backlash for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has proposed contentious policies, including labeling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”
- While the movement grows, critics warn against escalating rhetoric and violence, with incidents like arson at Tesla dealerships drawing condemnation from both supporters and opponents.
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Elon Musk is facing mounting criticism as Tesla Takedown protests gain traction. The movement, which includes celebrities, politicians, and activists, is calling for boycotts and demonstrations against Tesla and its CEO.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) is among the latest to take a stand. In a viral video on X, he announced that he was getting rid of his Tesla. Senator Kelly said that driving it now feels like promoting Musk’s political agenda.
Kelly joins figures like actor Jason Bateman, who compared owning a Tesla to driving around with a “Trump sticker.” Singer Sheryl Crow also sold hers, citing her disapproval of Musk’s alignment with Donald Trump.
Mark Kelly criticizes Musk over government policies
Kelly’s criticism goes beyond Tesla. He accused Musk of pushing policies that hurt vulnerable populations.
His concerns stem from Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has proposed controversial policies, including labeling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”
A federal judge in Maryland recently blocked DOGE’s attempt to access sensitive Social Security data, citing privacy concerns.
Celebrities and politicians back Tesla Takedown
The Tesla Takedown movement is rapidly gaining supporters. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), actors Alex Winter and John Cusack, and thousands of online activists have rallied behind it.
The group is planning 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and Supercharger stations on March 29.
During a virtual rally with 2,800 attendees, Crockett made her stance clear:
“On March 29, it’s my birthday, and all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.”
Meanwhile, a Tesla Takedown organizer told Fortune that their ultimate goal is to “bankrupt Elon Musk.”
Cusack also attacked Musk during the rally, calling him a “sociopath and a ghoul.”
Criticism grows over Tesla Takedown protests
Despite its momentum, the movement has drawn criticism. Some argue that boycotting Tesla won’t change Musk’s influence, while others warn against escalating rhetoric and actions.
Political strategist Rick Wilson, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, was suspended from X after posting “Kill Tesla, Save The Country.” His post quickly went viral before the platform permanently banned his account.
Tesla supporters say the protests have gone too far. Three protesters were charged with arson at Tesla dealerships and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi calls the acts “nothing short of domestic terrorism.”
Vice President J.D. Vance condemned the violence, calling it an intimidation tactic against Trump supporters.
“The people attacking Teslas are trying to send the message that if you support President Trump, they will commit acts of violence to try to intimidate you,” Vance posted on X.
Schumer and Van Hollen take aim at Musk
Not all critics focused on Tesla itself. Senators Chuck Schumer and Chris Van Hollen, along with Rep. Maxine Waters, have voiced concerns about Musk’s growing political influence.
Schumer compared DOGE’s leadership style to an authoritarian power grab, saying:
“If the Founding Fathers were to be like DOGE, a small group of them would get together and dictate what should’ve been done in America. They didn’t. They set up a Congress.”
Musk’s daughter speaks out against him
Even Musk’s family has distanced themselves. His transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, criticized him in a Teen Vogue interview Thursday.
She called Musk a “pathetic man-child” and said she no longer wants to be associated with him. While Musk hasn’t directly responded to her interview, he posted multiple times about transgender issues after publication, including a claim that trans activists are setting Teslas on fire.