Tesla faces nationwide vandalism and protests amid Musk’s role at White House

Tesla has been targeted by a series of alarming incidents, including vandalism, arson, and protests, since CEO Elon Musk took on his new role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Authorities have reported numerous attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the country. These acts of aggression are reportedly tied to Musk's leadership at DOGE, following mass layoffs within federal agencies.

One of the most recent incidents occurred in Dedham, Massachusetts, where three Teslas were vandalized overnight. The Dedham Police Department confirmed that two Tesla Cybertrucks had been spray-painted with derogatory messages, and the vehicles’ tires were damaged. A Tesla Model S was also targeted. Just days before, in Seattle, four electric vehicles caught fire, prompting fire crews to act quickly and prevent the flames from spreading. Fortunately, no buildings were involved, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Tesla dealerships across the nation have not been spared either. On March 6, bullets were fired at a dealership in Tigard, Oregon, damaging three cars and shattering windows. Earlier, in Lynnwood, Washington, six Teslas were vandalized, including a black Cybertruck defaced with swastikas. Additionally, Tesla’s charging stations have been frequent targets of arson. One such attack occurred in South Carolina, where an individual threw Molotov cocktails at a station after spray-painting a political message. Authorities are still searching for the suspect.

Other incidents have also raised concern. A recent attack in Colorado saw a woman arrested after being caught with explosives at a Tesla dealership. Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, faces multiple charges, including the use of incendiary devices. Meanwhile, Tesla charging stations in Massachusetts sustained significant fire damage, and in Owings Mills, Maryland, a Tesla dealership was defaced with anti-Musk graffiti.

Protests have added to the turmoil surrounding the company. Demonstrations have broken out at Tesla dealerships nationwide, and some Tesla owners have publicly distanced themselves from Musk by placing stickers on their vehicles that read, "I bought this before Elon went crazy." Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, in an interview with ABC News, attributed the protests and the company's plummeting stock—down nearly 48% this year—to Musk's political involvement at DOGE. "It has been a distraction for the company and a problem for the brand," Frerichs said.

In the midst of the unrest, public figures have rallied behind Musk. Former President Donald Trump expressed his support for Musk on Truth Social, stating he would buy a new Tesla to show confidence in the CEO. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene condemned the vandalism, calling it "domestic terrorism" and urging authorities to prioritize the investigation of these incidents.

As Tesla grapples with these challenges, including declining stock prices and rising tensions, the company has yet to publicly address the string of attacks. The situation has prompted widespread concerns over the safety of Tesla’s employees and customers, as well as the company’s future in an increasingly volatile political climate.