ATLANTA — Tesla dealerships across Georgia became the epicenter of protests this weekend as demonstrators took to the streets to voice their discontent with CEO Elon Musk. The movement, dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” sparked similar demonstrations across the U.S. and internationally.
Protests Hit Metro Atlanta
On Saturday afternoon, a crowd gathered at the intersection of Briarcliff Road NE and Lavista Road in North Druid Hills. At least 40 people were seen holding signs, with one prominently reading, “Honk if you hate Elon.”
Tesla dealerships weren’t the only targets. In Decatur, protesters rallied against what they claimed was excessive governmental reach by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which some believe gives Musk too much access to personal data.
Smaller demonstrations were reported at Tesla locations in Alpharetta and Macon, signaling a coordinated effort to disrupt business and send a message.
A National and Global Movement
Georgia wasn’t alone. From California to Washington, D.C., Tesla showrooms saw waves of demonstrators carrying similar anti-Musk banners. Reports indicate that protests also occurred in Minnesota and Virginia, with crowds varying in size but maintaining a consistent message: opposition to Musk’s growing influence.
The movement has roots beyond U.S. borders. Social media posts from Europe and Asia suggest that Tesla dealerships in Germany, the U.K., and Japan saw smaller but similar demonstrations. Organizers claim this was part of the “Tesla Takedown Global Day of Action.”
What Are Protesters Angry About?
Demonstrators cited several grievances against Musk:
- Allegations of worker mistreatment at Tesla factories, particularly regarding safety violations.
- Concerns over Tesla’s data collection policies and their potential use under DOGE.
- Musk’s public influence over technology, space exploration, and artificial intelligence, with some viewing it as monopolistic.
- His controversial public statements and political alignments, which have polarized opinions.
“It’s not just about Tesla. It’s about unchecked power and the ability of one man to shape policy and industry at will,” said Mark Reynolds, a protester in Atlanta.
Impact on Tesla Operations
Despite the protests, Tesla dealerships remained open for business. Employees at affected locations noted an increase in foot traffic, with some potential buyers stopping to ask about the protests before heading inside.
While Tesla has not released an official statement regarding the demonstrations, Musk responded in characteristic fashion on X, formerly Twitter, posting: “Haters gonna hate. #StillBuildingTheFuture.”
The protests are unlikely to shake Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market, but they do highlight a growing divide between Musk’s supporters and his detractors. Whether this movement gains further traction remains to be seen, but for now, the “Tesla Takedown” has made its presence felt.
