Trump Considers "Domestic Terrorist" Label for Tesla Attackers Amidst Stock Plunge and Government Efficiency Efforts
Former President Donald Trump publicly voiced his support for Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, amidst escalating protests and vandalism targeting the company. During an appearance on the White House’s South Lawn, Trump indicated his openness to classifying those perpetrating violence against Tesla owners and dealerships as "domestic terrorists."
The endorsement arrived at a critical juncture for Tesla, following a substantial 15% drop in its stock price, marking the most significant single-day decline in five years. The company’s financial challenges coincide with Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has implemented far-reaching cost-cutting measures.
These measures, characterized by mass firings and the termination of billions of dollars in contracts, have triggered widespread public backlash. The "Tesla Takedown" protests have involved harassment of Tesla owners and vandalism of dealerships across the country. Since December, Tesla’s stock value has plummeted by 50%.
Trump positioned himself alongside Musk, who is designated as a "special government employee," and defended him against what he described as unfair treatment. "I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people," Trump stated. "And I just want people to know that he can’t be penalized for being a patriot. And he’s a great patriot."
Responding to a reporter’s inquiry about labeling those committing violence against Tesla as "domestic terrorists," Trump affirmed his willingness to take such action. "I’ll do it. I’m going to stop them… because they’re harming a great American company," Trump declared. "When you hurt an American company, especially a company like this that supplies so many jobs that others are unable to do."
House DOGE Subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced that she and her colleagues had dispatched a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, requesting an investigation into the alleged "organized" attacks against Musk, Tesla, and the DOGE initiative.
Trump’s overt support for Tesla and Musk drew criticism from various quarters. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy criticized Trump’s actions, tweeting, "Just because the corruption plays out in public doesn’t mean it’s not corruption," commenting on a post featuring a video of Trump entering a red Tesla with Musk.
Trump, referencing a Tesla vehicle he had previously acquired for his granddaughter, selected a red model for himself during the event.
Notably, the Trump administration has previously hindered the adoption of electric vehicles within the federal government. The U.S. General Services Administration has "temporarily suspended" orders of zero-emission vehicles, halted the installation of new EV charging stations, and directed the shutdown of some existing stations, according to internal memos.
During the meeting, Trump made a remark about ending an electric vehicle mandate, suggesting Musk should have contacted him to express his dissatisfaction. "I ended the electric mandate, OK," he said, adding that at the time he expected Musk to "raise hell" with him. "And he never called me," he said. "If I were him, I would have called."
The situation highlights the intersection of politics, business, and environmental policy, and the implications of government intervention in the private sector. Trump’s stance could intensify scrutiny on the DOGE and its cost-cutting initiatives, potentially exacerbating the controversy surrounding Musk’s role.
Critics argue that Trump’s advocacy for Tesla is inappropriate due to his personal relationship with Musk and the company’s financial struggles. They contend that labeling protesters as "domestic terrorists" could be seen as an overreach of power and an attempt to stifle dissent.
Conversely, supporters maintain that Trump is protecting a vital American company and defending Musk against unfair attacks. They emphasize the economic significance of Tesla and the potential consequences of continued violence and disruption.
The issue is likely to continue to generate considerable debate, particularly given the ongoing legal challenges that the former President is involved in.
