Asger Risom
Demonstrators accuse Musk of threatening democracy and call for action against Tesla
Protests erupted across the United Kingdom on Saturday as part of a growing global campaign to boycott Tesla, targeting CEO Elon Musk for his political involvement in the United States. According to Digi24, demonstrators rallied in front of Tesla dealerships in cities including London, Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, and Edinburgh.
The campaign, known as Tesla Takedown, accuses Musk of using his influence and Tesla-derived wealth to support policies they describe as authoritarian through his role in the U.S. Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he currently serves as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump.
“Musk is destroying democracy”
In London’s Park Royal district, protesters held signs reading “Tesla funds fascists” and “Musk is destroying democracy.” Some waved placards urging passersby to honk if they “hate Elon,” in what organizers called a “global day of action.”
Tesla Takedown promotes non-violent civil resistance and urges consumers to stop buying Tesla vehicles and divest from the company. “Elon Musk is destroying democracy worldwide and using the wealth he built at Tesla to do it,” the group stated on its website. “Stopping Musk will help save lives and protect our democracy.”
Organizers emphasized the peaceful nature of the protests, stating: “No one is coming to save us. Not the courts, not the media, not the politicians.”
International mobilization gains momentum
Saturday’s coordinated demonstrations are part of a broader international movement gaining traction beyond the UK. While the protests began with concerns over Musk’s political ties, they have grown to include criticisms of his management style, labor practices, and alleged role in shaping right-wing policy agendas.
Musk, who has not publicly responded to the protests, remains a polarizing figure globally. Supporters praise his innovations in electric vehicles and space exploration, while critics say his growing influence in politics and media undermines democratic institutions.
As calls for accountability intensify, the Tesla Takedown campaign signals a potentially lasting challenge to Musk’s brand and his company’s public image.