Global Reach of the Protests

The protests commenced early in locations across Australia and New Zealand, quickly spreading to various European countries, including Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. In the United States, nearly all states participated, with demonstrators assembling in areas across the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West Coast.

Organizing Messages and Goals

According to organizers on Action Network, the purpose of the protests was clear: “Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, and he’s using the fortune he built at Tesla to do it. We are taking action at Tesla to stop Musk’s illegal coup.” They urged individuals associated with the company to actively join their cause by selling their Teslas and divesting from Tesla stock.

Background of the Protests

Critics have been vocal since Musk took on a significant role in the Trump administration as the chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This position has drawn ire from many who believe his initiatives negatively impact federal structures and democratic processes. Subsequent protests at Tesla locations and viral social media campaigns focusing on selling Tesla vehicles have been a direct response to these actions.

Voices from the Protests

Demonstrators shared their thoughts amid the rallies. Louise Cobbett-Witten, participating in the protest in west London, expressed, “It’s too overwhelming to do nothing. There is real solace in coming together like this. Everyone has to do something.”

Alainn Hanson from Washington, DC, also shared her sentiments, saying, “I’m sick of billionaires trampling over working class people,” as she joined her mother from Minnesota for their first protest.

Details of the Protests

The protests were not limited to one region; they were widespread across North America and beyond. Here are some key locations where demonstrations took place:

• Saint Petersburg, Florida
• Cherry Hill, New Jersey
• Washington, DC
• Tucson, Arizona
• Manlius, New York
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Chicago, Illinois
• London, England