Protesters gathered outside Tesla showrooms, calling for a boycott in response to Elon Musk’s increasing influence in U.S. politics. The “Tesla Takedown” rally in Bristol was part of a coordinated global movement mirroring demonstrations in the U.S., where activists are opposing Musk’s involvement in the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). The department, under Musk’s leadership, has overseen the firing or buyout of 100,000 federal employees and has access to vast amounts of sensitive personal data, raising concerns about privacy and government control.
Holding signs urging people to stop buying Tesla vehicles, demonstrators expressed frustration over billionaires influencing political decisions. Protester Karl Scholz stated he had been “losing sleep” over recent events, emphasizing that even discouraging a few purchases could help reduce Tesla’s stock value and send a strong message.
Tesla has not yet commented on the protests. However, the impact on the company is becoming evident, as Tesla sales in Europe have dropped by 45% in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
