On March 29, 2025, crowds protested Elon Musk's role in the U.S. government's restructuring under President Donald Trump outside Tesla dealerships in various states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas, as well as in Berlin and London. The protests stemmed from opposition to Musk's position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency and his efforts to reduce government spending, escalating a movement targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles.
Organized by Tesla Takedown, the protests attracted disillusioned Tesla owners, celebrities like John Cusack, and Democratic lawmaker Rep. Jasmine Crockett, with crowds ranging from dozens to hundreds of participants. One notable protest in London featured a sign that drew comparisons between Musk and Adolf Hitler.
During a Tesla Takedown organizing call, Rep. Jasmine Crockett emphasized the need for continued protests, urging participants to keep vocalizing their grievances in Congress and on the streets. Cam Whitten echoed this sentiment, stating the objective was to raise awareness about the issues they face.
The protests intended to exacerbate a recent decline in Tesla's sales, impacting the company's stock performance since Trump's election. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned acts of vandalism, including a fire that destroyed seven Tesla vehicles in Germany, labeling them as domestic terrorism, while supporters of Tesla Takedown reiterated the importance of peaceful protest.