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Tesla, once celebrated as a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry and a symbol of environmental progress, is now facing backlash. In California and beyond, the brand is facing protests, vandalism, public dissent and a decline in its stock value.
This shift is largely attributed to CEO Elon Musk’s prominent role in President Donald Trump’s administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. In California – a state known for its environmental initiatives – Tesla dealerships and charging stations have been targeted.
Tesla chargers in Meyers, California were defaced with swastikas, prompting an investigation by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department. In Littleton, Massachusetts, seven charging stations were set ablaze in what authorities suspect to be arson. Similarly, in Loveland, Colorado, a woman was arrested for allegedly vandalizing a Tesla dealership using spray paint and Molotov cocktails.
Individual Tesla owners are experiencing the brunt of this backlash. Incidents of being flipped off in traffic, called derogatory names, and even physically assaulted have been reported.
In San José, a man was arrested for keying a Tesla vehicle, an incident captured by the car’s security cameras. The city’s police chief, Paul Joseph, confirmed the arrest, categorizing the act as felony vandalism.
Some Tesla owners, disillusioned by Musk’s political stance, are distancing themselves from the brand. Notably, singer Sheryl Crow announced she sold her Tesla and donated the proceeds to National Public Radio, stating, “There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with.”
Other owners have resorted to rebranding their vehicles, replacing Tesla logos with those of other car manufacturers or adding bumper stickers that read: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.”
Activist groups have intensified their efforts against Tesla. In the United Kingdom, the group “Led By Donkeys” used a Tesla vehicle to etch “Don’t buy a Tesla” onto Black Rock Sands beach in Wales, creating a message visible from space.
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As head of DOGE, Musk’s alignment with Trump has alienated many of Tesla’s traditional supporters, particularly those with liberal views. This association has led to protests at Tesla dealerships, with demonstrators urging boycotts of the brand.
Tesla’s stock has plummeted by 37% this year, leading JPMorgan analysts to significantly lower their price target. Musk’s net worth has also decreased substantially due to the decline in Tesla’s stock value. During this period, short sellers have reportedly profited approximately $16 billion by betting against Tesla.
In response to the vandalism, Tesla has implemented measures to protect its properties. The company upgraded its supercharger cables with thicker materials and deployed security features like bank-style ink packs to deter potential vandals. Additionally, Tesla vehicles are equipped with a Sentry Mode, allowing them to record activities around the car using external cameras, aiding in identifying perpetrators.
The long-term effects of this backlash on Tesla’s reputation remain uncertain. While the company continues to have a dedicated customer base, the recent events have tarnished its image among the public.
