U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he would categorize acts of violence against Tesla locations as domestic terrorism. This statement was made during a joint appearance with Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the White House, where they discussed escalating protests against the electric car manufacturer.
Protests, referred to as the "Tesla Takedown" movement, have surged in response to Musk's controversial role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and significant cuts to federal jobs. Reports indicate that some demonstrations have turned violent, with incidents including gunfire at a dealership and vandalism targeting Tesla properties. When questioned about these disturbances, Trump stated, "We will catch anybody doing it... because they’re harming a great American company."
In contrast, the "Tesla Takedown" movement insists they are a non-violent entity committed to peaceful protests. They argue that labeling their actions as domestic terrorism is an attempt to suppress legitimate dissent.
Following Trump's remarks, Tesla's stock saw a nearly 4% increase, recovering from a significant decline the day before. Musk, who has faced criticism for his political affiliations, pledged to double Tesla's production in the coming years, which he attributed to Trump's policies.