Trump Vows to Label Tesla Violence as Domestic Terrorism

President Trump Addresses Protests Targeting Tesla Dealerships

In a statement released via White House pool reporters, President Donald Trump announced his intention to categorize acts of violence directed at Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism. This declaration signifies a strengthening relationship between the President and Elon Musk.

Escalating Demonstrations Against Tesla

Across the globe, incidents referred to as “Tesla Takeovers” are occurring at Tesla dealerships. These protests stem from concerns regarding what demonstrators perceive as an undue influence of Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over the federal government. Some demonstrations have involved vandalism, including graffiti, arson targeting charging stations, and, in one instance, the use of Molotov cocktails.

Impact on Tesla’s Performance

Concurrent with the protests, Tesla’s stock value has experienced a decline, falling below its post-November 2024 peak following Trump’s election victory. Furthermore, the company’s performance has lagged behind the broader stock market during the same timeframe. Globally, Tesla has also witnessed a significant reduction in sales, attributed to the repercussions of Musk’s political activities.

Trump’s Pledge to Intervene

“I’m going to stop them,” President Trump stated, referring to individuals engaging in violence against Tesla properties. This commitment was made following a meeting with Musk at the White House on Tuesday. “We will apprehend anyone involved in such actions, as they are causing harm to a significant American company.”

Strong repercussions will follow for those targeting Tesla or any other company, Trump asserted. “You do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and you’re going to go through hell.”

Defining Domestic Terrorism

Under existing federal legislation, an attack on company property may be classified as domestic terrorism if the intent is to intimidate or coerce the public, influence governmental functions, or disrupt government operations through acts of destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.

The Rise of #TeslaTakedown

The protests have evolved into a coordinated effort known as “#TeslaTakedown,” which identifies itself as a decentralized, grassroots movement.

Movement Organizers Respond

In a statement provided to TechCrunch, organizers for the movement emphasized that “the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of American democracy.”

They further stated, “By prioritizing his largest donor’s business above democratic principles, Trump is revealing his true character: a corrupt aspiring autocrat. Americans will not accept this. We are a nonviolent grassroots protest movement, opposing violence and property destruction. Peaceful protest on public land is not domestic terrorism. This is an attempt to intimidate us, and we will not allow it.”

Concerns Regarding the Definition of Violence

A key concern lies in the interpretation of “violence” by Trump and Musk, and the potential for peaceful protestors to be wrongly labeled as violent. Trump’s previous announcement of deporting international students participating in protests against the conflict in Gaza raises the possibility of similar threats being extended to individuals with green cards or visas protesting Tesla’s actions.

DOGE and Government Restructuring

Since the implementation of an executive order in January establishing DOGE, an advisory committee tasked with reducing government expenditure, Musk – who contributed $260 million to a super PAC supporting Trump’s election – has overseen substantial layoffs of government employees and the elimination of entire agencies, such as USAID. These actions have reportedly generated an atmosphere of uncertainty, anxiety, and disruption.

Government Contracts and Musk’s Companies

Musk has indicated interest in further agency “deletion,” a move criticized by those who point to the significant benefits his companies have received from government contracts and incentives. For instance, SpaceX has secured over $20 billion in contracts from NASA, the Department of Defense, and other federal entities, as documented by USASpending.gov.

Trump’s Support for Musk

During Tuesday’s remarks, Trump stated his intention to purchase a Tesla, acknowledging he “wouldn’t be allowed” to drive it himself, but that it would be utilized by his White House staff.

“I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people,” Trump added, according to the Pool report. “And I just want people to know that he can’t be penalized for being a patriot.”

This report has been updated to include a statement from the #TeslaTakedown organizers.