President Trump takes bold action against Tesla dealership attackers, classifying the violence as domestic terrorism, while demonstrating his support for Elon Musk by purchasing a Tesla Model S amid ongoing protests.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has announced that violence against Tesla dealerships will be classified as domestic terrorism, promising severe consequences for perpetrators.
- Trump publicly supported Tesla by purchasing a Model S, calling the American electric vehicle company “great” despite ongoing protests.
- Protests against Tesla have been triggered by CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and associated federal workforce reductions.
- Multiple incidents of Tesla vandalism have been reported across the country, including spray-painted vehicles and torched charging stations.
- Tesla shares recovered almost 4% after Trump’s announcement, following a significant drop due to reduced delivery projections.
Trump’s Terrorism Classification for Tesla Attackers
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration will classify violence against Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism, taking a firm stance against the recent wave of vandalism targeting the electric vehicle manufacturer. The decision comes in response to multiple incidents across the country where Tesla vehicles and showrooms have been damaged, allegedly in protest of CEO Elon Musk’s association with the Trump administration. The President’s announcement signals a significant escalation in the federal response to what began as peaceful demonstrations but has increasingly involved property destruction.
“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump stated, emphasizing the severity with which his administration views these attacks. “Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell.”
The President indicated that surveillance footage has already identified some perpetrators, suggesting law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these incidents. Trump’s characterization of the protesters as “bad guys” who are “the same guys that screw around with our schools and universities” reveals his administration’s view that these actions represent a broader pattern of disruptive behavior rather than isolated incidents.
Presidential Support Through Personal Purchase
In a move that underscores his support for Tesla beyond rhetoric, President Trump revealed that he has personally purchased a Tesla Model S, which starts at approximately $80,000. This action represents a notable endorsement of Musk and Tesla at a time when both face intense criticism from protesters. The purchase sends a clear message about the administration’s stance on electric vehicles and its relationship with Musk, who leads the President’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative aimed at reducing federal government spending.
“I will do that, I’ll do it, I’m going to stop them,” Trump declared regarding the vandalism, positioning himself as a defender of American business interests against what he characterizes as destructive activism. This strong support comes as Tesla faces both market challenges and public relations difficulties.
Rising Tensions and Vandalism Incidents
The “Tesla Takedown” movement has organized protests at dealerships in multiple cities, including a large demonstration in Portland, Oregon, and events leading to arrests in New York City. While the movement claims to advocate nonviolent methods and opposes property destruction, incidents of vandalism have escalated. In Dedham, Massachusetts, vehicles were spray-painted at a Tesla dealership, while charging stations in Littleton were set on fire. International incidents include Tesla vehicles being burned in France.
“When you vandalize people’s property, when you terrorize them for their personal choices this is not acceptable,” said Dr. Kumait Jaroje, whose Cybertruck was vandalized with a Nazi sticker. “That’s not the right way to do it. Express what you think, talk about it, go online, go protest but don’t vandalize, don’t destroy, don’t terrorize.”
The protests specifically target Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce and cancel certain humanitarian program contracts. Critics argue these cuts adversely affect vulnerable populations and essential government services. Representatives from the Tesla Takedown movement have pushed back against the terrorism classification, stating: “Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed.”
Market Response and Broader Implications
Tesla shares rose nearly 4% on Tuesday following Trump’s announcement, partially recovering from a significant drop the previous day when analysts reduced delivery projections for both the first quarter and the full year. The company has faced challenges beyond the protests, including concerns about its growth trajectory and competition in the electric vehicle market. Trump’s intervention and personal purchase appear designed to shore up confidence in the company at a critical moment.
The President’s decision to classify these acts as domestic terrorism has significant legal implications, potentially allowing for enhanced investigative tools and more severe penalties for those convicted of vandalism against Tesla. This classification also elevates what might otherwise be treated as local property crimes to federal offenses, signaling the administration’s determination to protect businesses aligned with its economic and political agenda from what it perceives as ideologically motivated attacks.
Sources:
- Trump says he will label violence against Tesla domestic terrorism
- Tesla vehicles vandalized in Massachusetts, Trump says he will label it “domestic terrorism”
