Elon Musk Faces Fierce Backlash: Protests Surge as Tesla Sales Plunge and Feud with Trump Escalates

Tesla’s Turbulent Summer: Why Protests, Sales Crashes, and a Trump-Musk War Have Investors and Activists Fired Up in 2025


Elon Musk faces growing protests as Tesla sales nosedive, a public spat with Trump erupts, and calls to dump Tesla stock intensify in 2025.

Quick Facts:

  • 60+ cities: Tesla Takedown protests planned nationwide
  • 47% drop: Tesla’s stock plunge from 2024 peak
  • 13% sales drop: Largest quarterly fall in Tesla’s history (Q1 2025)
  • $288 million: Musk’s contribution to Trump’s presidential campaign

The drama surrounding Tesla and Elon Musk just hit overdrive. Public outrage has boiled over into a summer of protests and plummeting stock prices. Meanwhile, feuding between Musk and former president Donald Trump over a sweeping new tax and domestic policy bill dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” has investors and voters on edge.

Protesters from coast to coast, bundled under umbrellas, braved rain and political storm fronts outside Tesla showrooms in more than 60 cities—from Delray Beach to Louisville—as part of the Tesla Takedown movement. Banners with stark demands called for Tesla owners to ditch their cars, investors to shed their stock, and for a united front against what activists call the “billionaire takeover” of U.S. democracy.

Why Are Protests Against Elon Musk Heating Up in 2025?

Activists are ramping up efforts even after Musk stepped down from his controversial government efficiency post (DOGE), with rallies pegged to Musk’s upcoming birthday signaling renewed vigor. Their rallying cry? Keep pressure on Musk and the government, and urge institutional investors to cut ties with Tesla.

The movement’s message rings out: selling Teslas and dumping stock can “save lives and protect our democracy.” It’s an unabashed push to curb what many see as unchecked influence by tech oligarchs in both government and business.

What’s Behind the Tesla Stock Crash?

Tesla’s stock suffered a bruising 14% drop this week and remains nearly half its former value from late 2024. Company insiders and some analysts blame economic turbulence and consumer uncertainty. But the numbers tell a broader story—while Tesla’s rivals registered rising sales, Q1 2025 marked the sharpest decline in Tesla’s history, alarming investors on NASDAQ and Main Street alike.

Industry experts cite mounting negative publicity, increased protest activity, and skepticism about Musk’s dual role in tech and politics as factors accelerating Tesla’s woes. Some pension funds are now fielding intense pressure to divest from Tesla altogether.

How Has the Musk-Trump Feud Fueled the Fire?

A dramatic spat exploded onto the political stage when Musk, after pouring $288 million into Trump’s campaign, slammed the president’s flagship domestic policy bill as a disgrace. Trump fired back, threatening Musk’s federal contracts and casting clouds over his business empire. Activists point out that the feud between two billionaire titans may be fueling further division—and protest momentum.

Despite the theatrics, seasoned protesters say they’ll keep rallying. Many believe behind-the-scenes business will eventually resume between Musk and Trump, but don’t plan to back down anytime soon.

How to Join or Support the Tesla Takedown Movement

  • Stay informed with unbiased news at Reuters or CNN.
  • Follow Tesla Takedown on social media for protest updates.
  • Contact your pension fund manager and inquire about Tesla holdings.
  • Participate in upcoming protests or organize local events.
  • Consider alternative electric vehicles from competing brands.

Q: Is Momentum for Protests Against Musk Likely to Grow?

All signs point to a summer of continued activism. Organizers are recruiting, new cities are joining, and disgruntled investors are echoing calls for change at the board level. The storm may only be beginning.

Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard and Protect Your Investments!

  • Review your portfolio for Tesla exposure
  • Contact representatives about tech/fintech influence in government
  • Share reliable news and join peaceful demonstrations
  • Research EV alternatives and sustainable investments

References

Tesla protests escalate worldwide in response to Elon Musk’s leadership • FRANCE 24 English

ByPenny Wiljenson

Penny Wiljenson is a seasoned author and expert in the fields of new technologies and fintech. With a degree in Information Technology from the prestigious University of Glasgow, she combines a strong academic background with practical insights gained from over a decade of experience in the industry. Before pursuing her passion for writing, Penny worked as a financial analyst at the innovative firm Advanta, where she played a pivotal role in analyzing emerging market trends and their implications for financial technology. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, and she is recognized for her ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. Through her writing, Penny aims to bridge the gap between technology and finance, empowering readers to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of fintech and emerging innovations.