By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-15 10:06:30 | Updated at 2025-03-17 08:19:29
1 day ago
Elon Musk has taken to social media to criticise protests taking place around the world targeting Tesla dealerships and its electric vehicles, including arson attacks in the United States and Germany.
In recent weeks, Elon Musk and Tesla have come under increased scrutiny from campaigners and activists in response to his allyship with President Donald Trump and far-right political groups across the globe.
Musk has drawn particular ire for his involvement as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has overseen budget cuts to the national education system, as well as job losses at Veterans Affairs.
Many protests have been peaceful and involve campaigners standing outside Tesla showrooms with signs and placards, although some activists have been accused of breaking the law by attacking dealerships and even burning Tesla models.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]
Elon Musk's Tesla has been targeted by a wave of protests in recent weeks
REUTERS/GETTY
A statement from Berlin Police confirmed that an incident had taken place in the German capital's Treptow-Köpenick district, where "unknown perpetrators" set fire to four Tesla electric cars.
It added that the State Security Division of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office had taken control of the investigation because a political motive couldn't be ruled out.
Images from the scene show charred vehicles on the roadside, with some other non-Tesla cars parked nearby also suffering minor fire damage.
Even political strategist and podcast host Alastair Campbell has bashed Musk. In a social media post, he wrote: "History will not remember Elon Musk as a genius but as a sycophantic and unhinged enabler of a failing and deeply corrupt autocracy.
"A conman who bought his way into the orbit of power, but proved that money can’t buy respect or competence."
Four Tesla models were torched in Berlin, Germany, this week
GETTY
Musk has used his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to share messages of support from other users, many of whom are thanking him for Tesla and his political affiliations with right-wing parties.
Many of the posts addressed the targeted protests against him and his electric vehicle brand following incidents in Europe and the United States.
In one instance, Musk reposted a release from Loveland Police Department in Colorado, in which the force announced it had arrested a 24-year-old for "repeated criminal acts" at a Tesla showroom in the city.
The man was accused of using an "incendiary device" to attack Tesla models at the forecourt. He has since been charged with possessing explosives and second degree arson.
In another repost, the billionaire shared a message from the official Tesla account that read: "Shoutout to our owners, especially those who've recently bought a Tesla, as well as our supporters & advocates. You rock :)"
Many protests across the United States have been launched because of Musk's involvement with DOGE
REUTERS
President Trump welcomed Musk to the White House this week to buy a new Tesla model
REUTERS
Musk has also been active in his support for his SpaceX venture, with a social media post suggesting that it would launch a "Starship" to Mars at the end of next year.
He confirmed that it would be carrying an Optimus humanoid robot, with human landings starting "as soon as 2029", although he noted that 2031 was more likely.
