Washington: A worldwide grassroots effort has been growing against Tesla, the electric carmaker run by its CEO Elon Musk, and, according to organizers, it has political aims beyond just challenging the tech billionaire.
According to Anadolu Agency, the campaign, dubbed Tesla Takedown, is described by organizers as an opposition movement to the 'fascist regime' under President Donald Trump. Tesla Takedown has been making headlines worldwide with protests and financial pressure tactics against Musk and his companies. However, activists in the US emphasize that, while Musk is a focus, he serves primarily as a proxy in a broader political struggle.
Organizers say Musk is the ideal antagonist to represent their larger concerns about billionaire influence in the current US administration. 'Our goal is not just Musk, but Musk ... is our villain right now because he's such a cartoon character,' explains Melissa, a Washington-based co-organizer of protests who asked to be identified only by her first name to remain anonymous.
Speaking to Anadolu, she characterizes the campaign as a movement directed against the administration: 'This is all about the Trump regime, which is a fascist regime.' Concerns driving the actions in the US include Musk's perceived unchecked entry into government functions, exemplified by his involvement with the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aiming to cut government spending by mass-firing employees and ending contracts.
Tesla Takedown prides itself on its lack of central control, allowing local groups to have some autonomy while sharing a common purpose. 'It is grassroots. And it is purposely not top-down organized,' Melissa noted. Theodora Sutcliffe, an organizer with Tesla Takedown London, confirmed this structure, noting that coordination between groups in different locations is 'kind of loose' and avoids a 'hierarchical corporate structure.'
While united against Musk, the specific complaints motivating activists differ by country. Participants in the US focus on Musk's role in the administration, data privacy worries related to government access, and mass firings. Elsewhere, the emphasis shifts. Sutcliffe explained concerns over pollution from Tesla's Gigafactory in Germany and Musk's political interference in the UK.
Beyond street demonstrations, the movement seeks to hurt Musk's finances, primarily by targeting Tesla's value and reputation. Sutcliffe asserted that tanking Tesla share prices was one way they sought to stop Musk. Another tactic involves divestment campaigns, pressuring pension funds and corporations to shed Tesla stock or cancel major purchase agreements.
Organizers believe their campaign is contributing to tangible negative consequences for Tesla. They point to the company's 13% year-on-year decline in vehicle deliveries as evidence of their impact. The movement also highlights divestment actions and growing participation in demonstrations as proof of increasing influence.
Instances of vandalism targeting Tesla property have made headlines, with authorities vowing to bring perpetrators to justice. Organizers have condemned such actions, insisting they are counterproductive and contrary to the movement's principles. 'This is a peaceful protest,' Melissa emphasized. Sutcliffe echoed this, stating that the campaign's leaders 'have all been very, very clear that we do not do vandalism.'
Tesla Takedown's stated goals converge on reducing Musk's capacity to exert political influence through his wealth. In the US, the objective is explicitly tied to challenging the Trump administration. Melissa described a desire 'to have Donald Trump arrested . and be put into jail,' calling the administration a 'fascist regime that is corrupt . harming people all so that they can serve a handful of billionaires.'