As far-left activists mobilized across the country for the highly publicized “Tesla Takedown” protests, citizen journalists and online investigators have raised questions about the coordinated nature of these supposedly grassroots demonstrations. The protests, aimed at Elon Musk over his ties to the Trump administration, were expected to draw massive crowds, but reports from multiple locations suggest the effort failed to gain traction outside of liberal strongholds.
Left-Wing Activists Push for Nationwide “Tesla Takedown”
Left-wing activists, progressive pundits, and Democratic lawmakers urged supporters to participate in nationwide protests outside Tesla dealerships over the weekend. The demonstrations were framed as a response to Musk’s support for Trump and his increasing political influence.
While anti-Tesla activism has been growing in recent weeks, particularly with vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicle owners, this weekend’s protests were touted as the largest yet. Organizers promoted the nationwide demonstrations as a major grassroots movement, allegedly set to take place at 275 locations across the U.S. and 500 worldwide.
Lackluster Turnout in Major Cities
Despite the hype, turnout was underwhelming outside of Democrat-controlled cities. In San Antonio, Texas—one of the largest cities in the country with 1.5 million residents—fewer than a dozen protesters attended each of the two scheduled demonstrations.
Reports from Santa Fe, New Mexico, were similar, with barely two dozen protesters gathering outside a Tesla dealership. Protesters held anti-Musk and anti-Trump signs, many of which contained swastikas and other Nazi imagery, according to Breitbart News. Despite the low attendance, organizers and users on local subreddit forums described the turnout as “great” and “overwhelming.”
Social Media Users Expose Staged Nature of Protests
Citizen journalists and X (formerly Twitter) users quickly took notice of the scripted nature of the protests. One user, @RealLifeFootage, reported that a small group of demonstrators outside a Tesla dealership in his community were relying on printed note cards and “cheat sheets” to remember their slogans.
Among the pre-written chants:
🔹 “Elon Musk, go to Mars. We don’t want your Swastikars.”
🔹 “Elon Musk is unelected, democracy must be protected.”
“The group, barely a dozen strong, seemed to fade into the background of the bustling lot,” @RealLifeFootage wrote on X, adding that their faded hoodies and soggy cardboard signs were overshadowed by the gleaming Tesla Model Ys on display. Dealership staff barely acknowledged them, while customers stepped around them like they were just another puddle to avoid.
Failed “Mass Mobilization” Despite Celebrity & Political Support
Organizers had promised a massive movement, pushed by Hollywood actors, Democratic politicians, academics, and far-left activists. Yet, despite weeks of promotion and claims that the event would be a watershed moment for anti-Musk sentiment, the protests failed to materialize at scale.
The disproportionate media coverage leading up to the protests suggests an effort to inflate public perception of their significance. Many social media users have accused mainstream outlets of attempting to manufacture outrage against Musk in a coordinated campaign.
Spike in Tesla-Related Attacks Sparks Federal Response
The protests come at a time when acts of violence against Tesla dealerships and owners have been on the rise nationwide. In recent months:
✅ Several individuals have been charged with federal felonies, carrying 20-year minimum sentences for the use of explosive devices.
✅ Tesla showrooms and vehicles have been firebombed and vandalized in multiple cities.
✅ Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced the formation of a special task force to investigate organized attacks on Tesla properties.
With these developments, the FBI and federal agencies have intensified their investigation into coordinated anti-Tesla actions, particularly those linked to politically motivated groups.
Final Thoughts: Protests Fail, But Violence Escalates
While the “Tesla Takedown” protests failed to draw significant public support, the increase in politically motivated attacks against Tesla dealerships and owners raises concerns about the growing extremism surrounding the issue.
The lack of organic participation suggests that public sentiment does not align with the activist narrative pushed by organizers. However, as long as political and media figures continue to stoke hostility against Musk, his businesses, and his supporters, violent actions against Tesla properties may persist.
Moving forward, law enforcement agencies and watchdog groups will likely play a larger role in addressing the rise of politically charged attacks on businesses and individuals.