Once upon a time in the land of electric cars, Tesla, the brand revered by eco-warriors and tech enthusiasts alike, found itself tangled in a web of political intrigue woven by its enigmatic leader, Elon Musk. It all began with a bold proclamation that DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, where Musk has taken up residency, had “very high approval.” But, dear readers, as we’ve tragically learned, that sentiment was as misguided as a Cybertruck trying to navigate a tight urban alley.

As 2025 rolled in, protests erupted like wildfire at Tesla showrooms across the United States. Activists, driven by dissatisfaction with Musk’s overt political maneuvers under Trump’s watchful eye, gathered in droves, demanding the billionaire step back from his dual roles. The so-called “Tesla Takedown” movement was born, an initiative that encouraged disgruntled consumers to “sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines.” One can only imagine the ruckus as chants of “Elon Musk has got to go!” echoed through the streets while honks of support rang out from passing cars.

Yet, as protests intensified, so did Tesla’s woes. In January, startling figures emerged: a staggering 45% drop in sales across Europe, leaving analysts scratching their heads and Tesla’s brand reputation teetering on the brink of collapse. The company seemed to be losing ground as its competitors, once child’s play for Musk’s empire, finally caught up—eager to snatch away the crown of the electric vehicle (EV) king.

One particular Tesla owner, John Parnell from California, lamented, “I don’t even want to drive it,” as he canceled his order for the much-anticipated Cybertruck, surrendering a $100 deposit as a casualty of Musk’s misguided political theatrics. It seemed the allure of Tesla for many became overshadowed by a sense of buyer’s remorse that left consumers questioning their loyalty.

In an attempt to bolster crumbling stock prices—falling nearly 27.6% in February—Musk dared to tout the possibility of a 1000% profit increase under the guise of “outstanding execution.” However, the stock took a nosedive just days after his audacious claim, with investors unfazed and confidence shaking. As stock prices continued spiraling down, Tesla became a cautionary tale rather than the shining beacon of innovation it once was.

As the chaos unfolded, an explosion of violent protests pushed the narrative to a fever pitch. An incident in France saw Teslas set ablaze outside a dealership, a fiery symbol of the frustrations brewing among the populace. “I bought it before Elon went nuts,” read the bumper stickers adorning many of these vehicles—an emblem of the once coveted brand now tainted by political affiliations.

As March marched on, discontent continued sprawled across the headlines. Tesla’s stock hit its lowest point since Election Day—a staggering loss of over $550 billion in investor wealth. Musicians like Sheryl Crow joined the ranks of notable defectors, waving goodbye to their Teslas and announcing their decisions to divest from Musk’s political entanglements.

In this narrative of fall and fury, it seems, Tesla’s spark is flickering. As journalists and analysts keep a keen eye on the unfolding saga, the electric vehicle giant’s tale serves as a reflection of the intertwined nature of politics and consumer sentiment—a cautionary fable for the bold, the brazen, and indeed, the billionaire.

MLA Citations

  • “Elon Musk’s First Month in Politics and Its Impact on Tesla.” CEO Today, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Sunil, Nileena. “Protests Against Musk’s Tesla Erupt Over DOGE.” The American Bazaar, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Antosz, Danielle. “This Canadian Man Put Both of His Teslas Up for Sale, Immediately Canceled Cybertruck Order, to Boycott Elon Musk — Is the Anti-Tesla Trend Here to Stay or Just a Hot Short-Term Reaction?” Moneywise, 20 Feb. 2025.
  • Lau, Chris. “When Might the Tesla Boycott End?” Baystreet.ca, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Lambert, Fred. “Elon Musk Tries and Fails to Pump Tesla’s Stock (TSLA).” Electrek, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • “Musk’s Political Activism Alienates Tesla Buyers, Sinks Stock.” Daily Sabah, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Kirshner, Alex. “The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Tesla’s Falling Stock Prices.” Slate, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Daniel, Jasmine. “‘Tesla Takedown’ Movement Sparks Nationwide Protests and Boycotts.” CBT News, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Condon, Bernard. “Musk’s Embrace of Right-Wing Politics Risks Turning Off Car Buyers and Sinking Tesla’s Stock.” Associated Press, 3 Mar. 2025.
  • Vigdor, Neil. “For Tesla-Owning Critics, Buyer’s Remorse Sinks In Post Musk’s ‘Antics.’” Business Standard, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • Bacon, Auzinea. “‘Tesla Takedown’ Protesters Gather Outside Showrooms to Rally Against Elon Musk’s Role with DOGE.” CNN, 1 Mar. 2025.
  • “Teslas Set Alight Outside French Dealership in Arson Attack.” The Telegraph, 4 Mar. 2025.
  • “Elon Musk Reacts to Anti-DOGE Protests at Tesla Stores: ‘DOGE Has Very High Approval From…’” MSN, 2 Mar. 2025.