President Donald Trump designates attacks on Tesla as domestic terrorism while simultaneously showing support for the electric vehicle company with a personal purchase.
Quick Takes
- Trump officially labels violent protests against Tesla dealerships as “domestic terrorism”
- The president purchased a Tesla Model S as a show of support for Elon Musk amid criticism
- Protests against Tesla stem from Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
- Multiple incidents of vandalism reported across the country, including vehicles set on fire and dealerships damaged
- Tesla shares rebounded nearly 4% following Trump’s supportive actions after previous declines
Trump Takes Stand Against Tesla Attackers
In a definitive move to protect American business interests, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will classify violence against Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism. The declaration comes after a series of escalating incidents targeting the electric vehicle manufacturer across the country. Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk who now heads the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has faced growing hostility from protestors opposed to Musk’s involvement in federal workforce reduction efforts. The protests initially began as peaceful demonstrations but have increasingly turned violent with reports of vandalism and property destruction.
Trump made his stance clear, promising severe consequences for those who damage Tesla property. “They’re harming a great American company,” Trump stated firmly. “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’s strong language underscores his administration’s commitment to protecting American businesses from vandalism, regardless of politically motivated grievances. Trump indicated that some perpetrators have already been identified through surveillance footage, suggesting that law enforcement is actively pursuing those responsible.
Presidential Support Through Personal Purchase
In addition to his verbal support, President Trump took the extraordinary step of purchasing a Tesla vehicle for himself. The president selected a Model S, which starts at approximately $80,000, in what appears to be both a personal choice and a strategic endorsement of the American electric vehicle manufacturer. This purchase represents a notable alliance between the White House and the innovative car company at a time when Tesla has faced market challenges. The move appears to have had an immediate positive impact, with Tesla shares rising nearly 4% on Tuesday after experiencing a significant drop the previous day.
The president’s actions come at a critical time for Tesla, which has recently faced declining stock prices after analysts reduced delivery projections for both the first quarter and the full year. By linking anti-Tesla activities to domestic terrorism, Trump is sending a clear message that his administration views attacks on American industry as attacks on national economic security. The designation carries significant legal weight and could lead to more severe charges for those arrested in connection with Tesla-related vandalism.
Pattern of Escalating Incidents
The incidents that prompted the president’s response have occurred across multiple states and even internationally. Protesters have targeted Tesla dealerships in Portland, Oregon, where a large demonstration took place, as well as in New York City, where arrests have been made. More disturbing incidents include Tesla vehicles being set on fire in France and various forms of vandalism at a dealership in Lynnwood, Washington. In Massachusetts, vandals spray-painted vehicles at a Dedham dealership and torched charging stations in Littleton, highlighting the geographic spread of these attacks.
“When you vandalize people’s property, when you terrorize them for their personal choices this is not acceptable,” said Dr. Kumait Jaroje, a Tesla owner who had a Nazi sticker placed on his Cybertruck. “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.” – Source
The organization behind many of the protests, known as “Tesla Takedown,” claims to be nonviolent and opposes property destruction. In response to Trump’s domestic terrorism designation, the group stated: “Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed.” This statement highlights the tension between protecting legitimate free speech rights while addressing destructive actions that cross legal boundaries. Despite their public stance against violence, the escalation of incidents associated with anti-Tesla protests has necessitated a stronger government response.
Sources:
- Trump says attacks on Tesla stores are domestic terrorism
- Tesla vehicles vandalized in Massachusetts, Trump says he will label it “domestic terrorism”
