President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that violence against Tesla dealerships would be classified as domestic terrorism, vowing severe consequences for perpetrators. The statement came amid growing protests against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose role in Trump’s administration has sparked backlash.
“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump said at a White House event with Musk, where the president personally selected a Tesla Model S for his staff. “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.”
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields reinforced Trump’s stance, condemning what he described as “ongoing and heinous acts of violence against Tesla by radical Leftist activists.”
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Tesla Protests Escalate Amid Musk’s Government Role
The “Tesla Takedown” protests have intensified in recent weeks, targeting Tesla dealerships in response to Musk’s leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at reducing the federal workforce and slashing government-funded humanitarian programs.
- In Portland, Oregon, about 350 demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership last week.
- In New York City, nine people were arrested earlier this month during a demonstration at a Tesla showroom.
- Reports have surfaced of vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms, though investigations are ongoing.
A protest group behind the demonstrations denied any involvement in violence. “Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed,” the organization said in a statement on social media platform Bluesky.
Trump’s Justice Department May Pursue Terrorism Charges
Legal experts are debating whether Trump can direct the Justice Department to charge Tesla vandals under terrorism laws. Federal statutes define terrorism as violence intended to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population to advance political or social objectives—a definition that may not clearly apply to vandalism at car dealerships.
While it remains uncertain how such cases would hold up in court, Trump’s strong public stance could deter future attacks against Tesla and Musk.
Trump Buys Tesla, Musk Pledges Production Expansion
In a show of support for Musk, Trump chose a Tesla Model S for White House staff use, despite his previous opposition to electric vehicles.
- “I don’t want a discount,” Trump told Musk while sitting in the driver’s seat of the red Model S, though he acknowledged he was not allowed to drive as president.
- The move comes after Trump revoked Biden’s executive order that aimed for 50% of all U.S. vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Tesla’s stock price surged nearly 4% on Tuesday, recovering from its worst single-day decline in over four years.
Amid concerns about Tesla’s falling sales and investor fears over Musk’s political entanglements, the billionaire announced plans to double Tesla’s production in the U.S. within two years.
“As a function of the great policies of President Trump and his administration and an act of faith in America, Tesla is going to double vehicle output in the United States within the next two years,” Musk said.
Tesla’s production has been under scrutiny following its first annual drop in vehicle deliveries in 2024. While Musk had initially promised 20%-30% growth in sales, he did not reaffirm that target at Tuesday’s event.
Musk Balances Washington Role with Tesla Leadership
Despite his deepening involvement in Washington, Musk confirmed he would remain Tesla’s CEO, stating:
“I will stay in Washington as long as I am useful, but I will remain Tesla’s CEO.”
As Musk navigates his growing political role alongside Tesla’s business challenges, the intersection of politics and corporate leadership continues to shape the electric vehicle industry’s future.
