Elon Musk’s DOGE activities trigger protests, vandalism for Tesla

Berlin, Germany protestors opposing Musk’s virtual appearance at the WELT Economic Summit last month. | Photo by Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images

Elon Musk’s role in carrying out President Donald Trump’s dirty work has triggered a wave of opposition that is spilling over into protests against his flagship company, Tesla. Over the last week, some people have held demonstrations while others have vandalized Tesla vehicles owned by individual buyers and showrooms — with actions stretching from New York, Colorado, and California, to as far as The Netherlands and Germany. 

Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has accessed sensitive government data and cut congressionally mandated funds to agencies. After court orders demanded a halt to some of its actions, Musk and Vice President JD Vance have hinted they may ignore the rulings. Tesla’s hundreds of showrooms, as well as other locations, present a ripe target for venting frustrations about Musk’s political activities. 

A group called Rise and Resist organized a February 9th protest outside a Tesla showroom in Manhattan’s meatpacking district, reports amNY. A group of protestors held signs and chanted “stop the coup,” referring to what is widely considered a constitutional crisis.