A wave of attacks against dealers, refill stations and Tesla vehicles has spread throughout the United States in recent weeks, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction of the population with Elon Musk and its political alignment with Donald Trump. Since the republican president’s inauguration, more than a dozen violent acts have been recorded, including criminal fires, shots and graffiti directed at the electric car brand.
Vandalism against Tesla occurs amid a crisis for the automaker, which, in addition to an increase in brand rejection by customers who previously saw it as a symbol of innovation and sustainability.
Among the most serious attacks recorded in recent months in the US, they stand out:
- Colorado: A woman has launched Molotov cocktails against cars parked at a Tesla dealership, as well as painting the word “Nazi” on the façade and writing “f— musk” on the entrance doors.
- Oregon: A man fired at a Tesla store and launched Molotov Cocktails against parked vehicles, causing an estimated loss of $ 500,000.
- Massachusetts: Several Tesla porters were set on fire at a recharge station in a shopping center.
- Maryland: Tesla buildings were budgeted with the phrase “no musk” next to a symbol similar to a swastika.
In addition to physical attacks, peaceful demonstrations against Tesla spread across the country. In New York, six people were arrested after occupying a Tesla store, while protests were registered in California, where protesters held posters with phrases such as “Boileque Tesla” and “Fire in Musk, not in national parks.”
Faced with the escalation of the attacks, Musk broke the silence and condemned the acts of vandalism. In response to a video from a Burn Tesla loading station, published in X, the billionaire stated: “Criminal acts are not freedom of expression.”
Tesla also promised to act. In an official post, the company said that “it will take legal action against any damage to its facilities.”
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Criticism
Musk, who has been seen as an innovative leader in the energy transition, has become a polarizing figure since taking an active role in US politics. The billionaire donated $ 288 million to Trump’s campaign and joined a group of government counselors, nicknamed “President Musk” by critics.
Tesla attacks also reflect dissatisfaction with the so-called Doge (Department of Government Efficiency), a task force created by Trump and coordinated by Musk, responsible for layoffs and cuts of federal programs. The initiative led 100,000 civil servants to lose their jobs, generating protests across the country.
(With information from Washington Post, Reuters and BBC)
