Tesla faces backlash as anti-Musk sentiment escalates

Tesla is grappling with rising anti-Elon Musk sentiment, prompting some owners to disguise their vehicles out of fear of vandalism. Reports indicate a troubling increase in attacks on Tesla charging stations and cars, particularly in the United States and Europe.

In a striking incident, seven Tesla charging stations were set ablaze in Massachusetts on March 3, while several vehicles were torched in Toulouse, France, just a day prior. Authorities suspect foul play, and a $5,000 reward has been offered for information related to these crimes. This wave of vandalism has left many Tesla drivers feeling unsafe, leading to creative measures such as removing emblems and replacing them with logos from other manufacturers.

Musk has often found himself at the center of controversy. A Massachusetts driver expressed concern, noting that such acts of vandalism ultimately harm the community rather than Musk himself. “You’re only harming society. You’re only harming the people who actually use these charging stations,” the driver stated.

The troubles for Tesla began to intensify at the start of the year, with incidents like a cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, raising eyebrows. Controversy further heightened when Musk appeared to perform a Nazi salute during the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, leading to widespread backlash. While some, including the Anti-Defamation League, defended Musk by attributing his actions to awkwardness, others labeled it a troubling display of fascism.

In response, calls for boycotting Tesla and Musk's social media platform X gained traction, particularly in Europe. Campaigns branded Tesla vehicles as “Swasticars,” merging the words swastika and car, and featured eye-catching posters across London.

The fallout from these events has significantly impacted Tesla's sales, with reported declines of 76% in Germany alone in February compared to the previous year. Experts warn that additional tariffs imposed by Trump could further aggravate the situation. Chrystia Freeland, a Canadian politician, even suggested a retaliatory 100% tariff on Tesla vehicles.

Musk’s political entanglements have also come under scrutiny. Having donated nearly $300 million to Trump and his allies, Musk was designated as a “special government employee” to lead the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. This initiative, born from an executive order rather than congressional action, aims to streamline government operations and reduce spending.

With a deadline set for July 4, 2026, Musk and Ramaswamy's mission to reshape the government’s bureaucracy looms large, as Tesla navigates a turbulent period marked by controversy and declining sales.