Since March, protests have emerged across the United States, particularly centered around Tesla dealerships, expressing growing frustration with Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.
At University Village in Seattle, demonstrators have gathered on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with earlier events attracting as many as 800 participants. Currently, around 120 activists picket weekly at the Montlake Boulevard and 45th Avenue Northeast entrance, rallying for two hours to voice their dissent.
These protests are not confined to a single location; similar gatherings are ongoing at Tesla dealerships in South Lake Union, Bellevue Square, Tacoma, Lynnwood, and locations worldwide.
Many of the posters displayed by the demonstrators convey outrage over a range of issues, including the government’s increased focus on arresting undocumented immigrants and executive orders that threaten to cut vital science, health, and education programs.
However, a significant portion of the messaging specifically targets Elon Musk, with signs labeling Tesla vehicles as “Swasticars” and making historical comparisons to Nazi Germany, highlighting the perceived dangers of his political involvement.
Musk’s entanglement in politics has intensified criticism, especially following his support for Trump and emergence as a prominent political donor in 2024. The appointment of Musk to a high-profile role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following Trump’s election drew ire from many, as DOGE aimed to slash billions from critical programs, with critics claiming these reductions would severely impact society’s most vulnerable.
Peter Weston, a member of the coordinating group Troublemakers, emphasized the link between Musk and Tesla in their protests.
“Tesla is Elon Musk,” he stated. “We’re not mad at Teslas. Years ago, Teslas were purchased by people trying to do the right thing. One way to go after him is to go after his empire.”
Fellow organizer Devin Hermanson, motivated by the political ramifications of Musk’s actions, established the domain DefundMusk.com to facilitate protests globally targeting Tesla and Musk’s political influence.
“He’s hurt a lot of people without any understanding of the lives he’s dismantling or the lives he’s hurting,” Hermanson asserted. “He and Donald Trump, they only worship money. That’s what they respect and that’s how we’re able to fight back.”
The activist movement also manifests in personal expressions of dissent among Tesla owners. Some, like Blauvelt, have adorned their cars with protest stickers, while others have taken the more drastic step of “debadging” their Teslas to remove the logos.
In Washington, where Tesla ownership is prevalent, the shifting perception of the brand is notable. The Seattle Times recently reported that over 20% of all new vehicle sales in Washington are electric, with a significant percentage historically being Teslas. However, a decline is visible; the percentage of new vehicle sales attributable to Teslas dropped from over half to 46% at the beginning of 2025. Recent reports showed new Tesla sales in Washington decreased by 35% compared to previous years.
Critics argue that Musk’s political maneuvers threaten democratic values. A recent protester highlighted Musk’s willingness to financially support election candidates aligned with Trump’s agenda, remarking, “That kind of dynamic is absolutely fatal to our democracy.”
Shelley Adams, who recently joined the protests, reflected on her evolving perspective regarding Musk. She admitted to previously viewing him in a positive light due to his contributions to electric vehicles, but recent events have shifted her viewpoints.
Having never protested before, Adams found a sense of community and purpose among fellow demonstrators disenchanted with Trump and the federal government: “You watch the news, and it feels devastating, every day. And you come out to be with people who are protesting, and feel a little better.”
Weston noted the importance of sustaining engagement with new protestors, especially those rallying for the first time. “That’s something I’m thinking about – how do we continue to engage these people and not lose them?”
In a similar vein, Blauvelt, who also began protesting after the recent election cycle, has joined the Handmaids of Washington movement, dressing as characters from The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian narrative of a totalitarian government.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Blauvelt recounted her time in South Africa during Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, drawing parallels to contemporary issues: “I can’t believe all these years later, that history is repeating itself.”
In summary, the mounting protests against Musk and Trump at Tesla dealerships signify a broader discontent and represent a community grappling with political and social changes while seeking avenues for activism.
image source from：https://www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/05/washington-state-falling-out-love-tesla
