Protests and Vandalism Target Tesla Amid Backlash Over Musk’s Political Ties

Protests and acts of vandalism have erupted at Tesla facilities across the United States and Europe. The unrest stems from growing discontent over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s association with the Donald Trump administration, particularly his influence within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees government spending cuts.
Demonstrations have been reported at Tesla showrooms in Portland, Chicago, and New York, while incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla facilities and vehicles have occurred in Germany, France, and Portugal.
Analysts suggest that Musk’s alignment with right-wing political ideologies is negatively impacting Tesla’s sales, as the company’s primary customer base typically leans liberal. With mounting competition from Chinese automakers such as BYD and SAIC Motor, this situation presents a new challenge for Tesla.
Meanwhile, the company is in the process of updating older vehicle models, including the recent launch of a refreshed version of the popular Model Y. However, uncertainty remains over how Tesla’s future will be affected by Musk’s declining popularity.