In a striking display of public outrage, nearly 100 protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to voice their anger against billionaire CEO Elon Musk. The demonstration, marked by waving signs, chants, and even dancing, was fueled by Musk’s role in a controversial federal workforce downsizing initiative.
As cars passed by, honking in support or curiosity, protesters held up placards featuring Musk’s face, accusing him of being the mastermind behind massive government job cuts. Musk, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has overseen the elimination of more than 100,000 federal jobs from a workforce of over 2 million.
Why Are People Protesting Against Musk?
Musk’s task force has aggressively pushed for federal job cuts, freezing foreign aid, and canceling thousands of government contracts. While the initiative is meant to streamline government spending, critics argue that it has devastated thousands of livelihoods, especially in Washington, D.C., where federal employment is a major driver of the local economy.
“We’re out here to show people they’re not alone,” said Melissa Knutson, one of the protesters outside the dealership. “This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about our future.”
Protests Spread Beyond Washington
The demonstrations weren’t limited to D.C. Reports confirm that similar protests erupted in Los Angeles and Toronto, where some Canadians have vowed to boycott U.S. products in retaliation for Trump’s recent tariff hikes on Canadian goods.
Amid rising discontent, many Tesla owners have been turning their frustration into action. Data from Edmunds shows a record number of Tesla trade-ins this month, signaling a shift in consumer sentiment. Tesla’s stock, once riding high after Trump’s election, has nearly halved since January, reflecting growing concerns over the company’s direction under Musk’s leadership.
Tesla Dealerships and Charging Stations Targeted
The backlash has taken a darker turn in recent weeks. The Trump administration revealed that several Tesla dealerships and charging stations have been targeted by arsonists. While there was no reported violence at the Washington protest, the growing hostility signals deeper tensions between Musk’s policies and public sentiment.
With Tesla’s stock struggling and consumer confidence shaken, the coming weeks could determine whether Musk’s involvement in federal downsizing strengthens or weakens his influence in both politics and business.
