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1. The Movement That Refuses to Fade

Even after Elon Musk exited his advisory role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Tesla Takedown movement has only intensified. On Saturday, around 60 demonstrations took place across the U.S.—from Delray Beach to Decatur—continuing protests against Musk’s political entanglements .

In Washington, D.C., about 30 protestors braved rainy weather outside a Georgetown Tesla showroom. Organizers Melissa Knutson and Sara Steffens attributed last week’s lower turnout to adverse conditions and competing Pride Month events—but emphasized that “this is not over” .

2. A Broader Strategy: Sell, Divest, and Picket

Tesla Takedown’s mission remains clear: “sell your Teslas, dump your stock, and join the picket lines,” as stated on their website . The activists believe targeting Tesla’s bottom line will curb Musk’s influence over democracy. Some are urging pension funds to divest, citing institutional investor disquiet that prompted a board letter in late May .

3. Musk, Trump, and the Brand Backlash

The movement is fueled by a broader narrative: Musk’s $288 million donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign, his departure from DOGE, and the recent clash over Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” — which Musk slammed as “a disgusting abomination” . In response, Trump threatened to strip Musk’s companies of federal contracts .

Tesla sales suffered accordingly: deliveries plunged 13% in Q1, to 336,681 vehicles—its lowest since 2022—and shares tumbled roughly 14%, wiping out $150 billion in market value .

4. On-the-Ground Voices: Protesters Speak Out

At the Washington protest, regular demo participants underscored that Musk’s political reach persists despite his DOGE exit:

• Jeanne Ferris, attending her fifth protest, said Musk’s “tendrils” still influence government policy.
• James Decherd seeks community in weekly rallies, with hopes of mobilizing wider action.
• Donna Powell, a veteran of 50–60 Trump-era protests, dismissed the unrest as “billionaire brats having a tiff,” but remains critical of both Musk and Trump .

Her husband noted the underlying tension: “They rely on each other, so they’ll work something out,” but few, he added, expect Trump’s base to turn on Musk .

5. Why the Movement Matters

Tesla Takedown transcends consumer backlash; it targets how intertwined a private billionaire can become with public policy and democracy. By coordinating protests, shareholder actions, and boycotts across 250+ cities internationally, organizers believe they can influence institutional behavior and corporate governance .

Their long-term aims:

• Economically damage Tesla and Musk
• Weaken Musk’s political capital
• Defend democratic norms threatened by concentrated tech influence

6. What’s Next?

• June 28 (Musk’s birthday): A concerted Tesla Takedown day has been called, featuring expanded global protest coordination ‍.
• Institutional influence: Pressure continues for pension funds and long-term investors to divest Tesla shares.
• Sales recovery? Tesla hopes the updated Model Y and robotaxi launch in June will shore up declining deliveries .
• Public sentiment shift: A YouGov poll indicates two-thirds of Americans would not consider leasing a Tesla—a notable brand vulnerability.

Final Word

Tesla Takedown isn’t a flash movement—it’s an organized political-economic pressure strategy. Spurred by Musk’s political adsorption, it leverages both grassroots action and financial leverage to challenge his expanding influence.

As Musk re-focuses away from DOGE, protestors remain undeterred. “This is not over,” says Knutson—a mission she and others vow to carry through President Trump’s term and beyond.