Demonstrations against tech billionaire Elon Musk are continuing, even after the Tesla CEO stepped away from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency and engaged in an all-out feud this week with Donald Trump over the president’s massive tax and domestic policy bill known as the “big, beautiful bill.” Musk, who contributed $288 million to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, called the bill a “disgusting abomination” just days after announcing he would leave DOGE, his federal cost-cutting project. As the two traded jabs, Trump threatened to cut government contracts for Musk’s companies and Musk claimed that “Trump would have lost the election” without him. Anti-Musk sentiment spilled onto sidewalks outside of Tesla showrooms with 60 demonstrations scheduled Saturday in cities such as Delray Beach, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; and Decatur, Georgia, as part of the Tesla Takedown movement, which began in mid-February amid Musk’s role with DOGE. At 11:30 a.m. ET, a crowd of about 30 demonstrators had gathered outside of a Tesla showroom on a rainy morning in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. Attendance for the Tesla Takedown event was well short of the roughly 200 who showed up last week in Rockville, Maryland, according to local co-organizers Melissa Knutson and Sara Steffens, who cited the weather and Pride Month events for the lower turnout. “This is not over because (Musk) decided to go home with his tail between his legs,” Knutson told CNN. The Tesla Takedown movement, according to its website, calls on people to “sell your Teslas, dump your stock and join the picket lines” and believes that “stopping Musk will help save lives and protect our democracy.” Tesla sales plunged 13% in the first three months of this year, the largest drop in deliveries in its history. Shares of Tesla (TSLA) dropped roughly 14% this week and are down nearly 47% from the high of $488.54 on December 18. Steffens said she “was really encouraged” to see Tesla’s stock plunge this week. “It just shows none of this is normal,” she said. Musk, the world’s richest man, has blamed a drop in sales on overall economic weakness and consumer uncertainty, though sales for competing EV models and other car companies rose. Neither Tesla nor Alex Winter, one of the initial lead organizers for Tesla Takedown, responded to CNN’s requests for comment. Tesla Takedown efforts to continue Musk’s exit from DOGE, his now-strained relationship with Trump, slumping Tesla sales and the drop in the company’s share price do not mean the Tesla Takedown movement is ending anytime soon, according to attendees and organizers. After Musk announced he was leaving DOGE, the Bluesky account for Tesla Takedown called for protests on Saturday, June 28 (Musk’s birthday), as a way of “recommitting to the fight.” “We are tired of the billionaire takeover and we are not letting up,” Knutson said. Steffens noted some protesters have called on pension funds to divest from Tesla. The public backlash is part of the reason that long-term institutional investors sent a letter to Tesla’s board in late May raising concerns about the company. Many of the protesters in Georgetown on Saturday attended previous demonstrations and said they have no plans to stop protesting despite Musk’s departure from DOGE. Jeanne Ferris told CNN that this was her fifth Tesla protest and that she agrees with organizers that “Musk’s tendrils” are still involved with the government. James Decherd said he attends protests almost every week because “it’s nice to be out with other people.” He added that he hopes to “get people motivated” and “mobilized.” Donna Powell says she and her husband have attended between 50 and 60 rallies against the Trump administration. She described Musk and Trump as “billionaire brats having a tiff.” She does not expect Trump supporters to join the demonstrations as an act of solidarity with the president after Musk’s attacks on X. She said Trump’s base isn’t “the type to go ‘anti-Musk.’” “In the long run, (Trump and Musk) rely on each other, so they’ll work something out,” said her husband, Don Powell.
‘This is not over:’ Tesla Takedown protesters keep pressure on Elon Musk despite DOGE exit
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Protests Against Elon Musk Persist Amid Declining Tesla Sales and Feud with Trump"
CNN
5.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Protests against Elon Musk continue to gain momentum despite his recent withdrawal from the Department of Government Efficiency and a public feud with Donald Trump regarding a contentious tax and domestic policy bill. Musk, who has financially supported Trump’s 2024 campaign to the tune of $288 million, has publicly criticized the president's proposed legislation as a "disgusting abomination." The ongoing clashes between Musk and Trump have escalated tensions, with Trump threatening to revoke government contracts linked to Musk's various business ventures. Meanwhile, anti-Musk demonstrations have surged, with around 60 protests planned across the United States, including cities like Delray Beach, Florida, and Louisville, Kentucky. Although attendance at some events, such as the one in Washington, D.C., was lower than in previous weeks, organizers remain undeterred, asserting that their movement, dubbed the Tesla Takedown, is far from over. They urge supporters to divest from Tesla and join the protests, emphasizing their belief that stopping Musk is crucial for democracy and public safety.
The Tesla Takedown movement is a response to Musk’s perceived overreach and his recent exit from DOGE, coupled with declining Tesla sales and stock prices. Tesla has experienced a significant downturn, with a 13% drop in sales in the first quarter of the year, marking the largest decline in its history. The company’s stock has plummeted nearly 47% from its December peak. Protesters express their dissatisfaction with Musk's influence and the broader implications for democracy, citing concerns from institutional investors regarding the company's direction. As the protests continue, many attendees express a commitment to the cause, with some calling for pension funds to divest from Tesla. Despite the challenges, the organizers and participants of the Tesla Takedown movement remain optimistic about their impact, pledging to sustain their efforts against what they view as a concerning trend of billionaire control over political processes.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an overview of ongoing protests against Elon Musk, particularly in connection with his recent departure from the Department of Government Efficiency and his public disagreements with Donald Trump. The demonstrations, part of the "Tesla Takedown" movement, reflect growing anti-Musk sentiment as activists call for consumers to divest from Tesla. The piece highlights the financial struggles of Tesla, including a significant drop in sales and stock prices.
Motivation Behind the Article
The publication appears to aim at highlighting the discontent among certain groups towards Musk, indicating a broader movement against his influence in technology and politics. By detailing protests and the backlash Musk is facing, the article seeks to inform the public about rising tensions surrounding his business practices and political affiliations.
Public Sentiment Creation
The article fosters a narrative of dissent against Musk, portraying him as a controversial figure whose actions warrant public scrutiny and protest. This sentiment is further amplified by the association with Trump, as the article juxtaposes their feud with the protests, implying that Musk's political engagements have consequences.
Potential Omissions or Concealments
While the article focuses on protests and Musk's financial setbacks, it may downplay the perspectives of Musk's supporters or the potential reasons behind his political donations. By not presenting a balanced view, the article could be seen as attempting to shape public opinion against Musk without acknowledging the complexities of his actions.
Manipulative Elements
The piece contains elements that could be interpreted as manipulative, particularly in its emotional language and framing of Musk. Terms like "disgusting abomination" and references to "tail between his legs" evoke strong emotional reactions, potentially swaying public perception against him. The choice of language suggests a bias that could influence readers' opinions.
Truthfulness Assessment
The article appears to present factual information regarding protests, financial statistics, and Musk's recent actions. However, the framing and selective emphasis on certain aspects may lead to a skewed perception of events, calling into question its overall objectivity.
Societal Perception
The overarching narrative aims to portray a community of dissenters who believe that opposing Musk is essential for democracy and public safety. This perspective resonates particularly with activist groups concerned about corporate influence in politics and technology.
Market Impact
Such press coverage could have implications for Tesla's stock and consumer behavior. Negative sentiment surrounding Musk could deter potential investors and customers, impacting Tesla's market performance. Given Musk's influence, this news is particularly relevant to Tesla (TSLA) and similar tech stocks.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article primarily focuses on domestic issues, the implications of corporate influence in politics can resonate on a global scale, especially as technology continues to shape power dynamics. The tension between Musk and Trump reflects broader themes in modern governance and corporate accountability.
AI Involvement Consideration
It's conceivable that AI tools were used in drafting or editing this article, especially in crafting a narrative that aligns with current events. AI models could have influenced the tone or structure, emphasizing conflict and dissent to engage readers. Such a narrative direction could be seen as a strategy to enhance engagement through emotive storytelling.
In conclusion, the article presents a compelling view of the ongoing protests against Musk while highlighting the associated financial struggles of Tesla. However, the potential bias in language and omission of counter-narratives raises questions about its objectivity and reliability.