6 min read
52 comments
Billionaire Elon Musk has said he is perplexed by the rise in acts of vandalism and hostility against Tesla. He said the company has been a frequent target of attacks, raising questions about the motivation behind this growing wave of hate.
The businessman Elon Musk, the world's richest man, criticized the acts of vandalism against Tesla dealerships and vehicles. In an interview with Fox News On Tuesday, the 18th, he stated that the attacks had reached an unprecedented level and attributed the incidents to the political left.
Growth of protests
Since January, Musk has led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which seeks to cut costs and investigate government spending. EUA.
Since then, protests against him have spread across the country. The slogan “Don't buy a Tesla” has also gained traction in cities like Berlin and Wales.
- Man buys dream Ferrari after 10 years of saving — and vehicle catches fire in less than an hour
- Hyundai presents new hybrid system with 1.6 and 2.5 turbo engines, reaching up to 334 hp of power
- MT-03 is the most sought-after used motorcycle in 2025, according to a survey; see why it stands out in the used motorcycle market
- New Fiat Toro Abarth on the way! Sporty version of the pickup truck arrives in 2028 with 2.0 turbo flex engine (+270 hp), renewed look and sophisticated interior
"I always thought that the left, you know, the Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring, and yet they're burning cars, they're bombing dealerships, they're shooting up dealerships, they're destroying Teslas left“, Declared Elon Musk.
Alleged conspiracy
Without providing evidence, Elon Musk suggested that the attacks may be part of a coordinated action against him. “I mean, I don't know, who's financing it and who's coordinating it? Because this is crazy. I've never seen anything like it.", said.
DOGE has been investigating government programs, such as the Social Security Administration, to identify alleged irregular spending. Musk has argued that Tesla is a peaceful company and does not deserve to be targeted.
Protests and acts of vandalism continue to occur in various parts of the US, but there is no concrete information about who is behind the incidents.
Musk accuses government of fraud in spending, links attacks on Tesla to corruption
Since January, DOGE has been reviewing federal spending, seeking to reduce costs and combat fraud. The initiative has sent representatives to several agencies and reviewed federal programs, including the Social Security Administration.
Elon Musk, without naming specific departments, said that some people are receiving money fraudulently. He suggested that this issue may be related to the recent protests against him and Tesla.
"They basically want to kill me because I'm stopping their fraud, and they want to hurt Tesla because we're stopping their terrible waste and corruption in government.“, Musk told Fox News.
The businessman also defended his actions, stating that he never did anything harmful.
Attacks on Tesla dealerships and stations
In recent months, Tesla has been the target of acts of vandalism, including fires at charging stations, shootings at dealerships and damage to Tesla vehicles. company.
Former President Donald Trump commented on the attacks and indicated that he may classify them as domestic terrorism.
"They are bad guys. They are the same ones who mess with our schools and universities.“, Trump said.
The Justice Department confirmed it is investigating those responsible and classified the attacks as “nothing less than domestic terrorism".
Tesla pulls back after commerce secretary talks about stocks
Tesla shares fell on Thursday, the 20th, even after the Secretary of US Trade, Howard Lutnick, publicly recommend buying the automaker's shares. The statement, made on national television, surprised the market and generated immediate reactions.
During an interview with Fox News the night before, Lutnick was blunt: “If you want to learn something from this show tonight, buy Tesla”, He stated.
He was impressed with the current stock prices.”It's unbelievable that this guy's stock is so cheap. It will never be this cheap again.”, He completed.
Lutnick was full of praise for the company’s founder. “Who wouldn't invest in Elon Musk? You've got to be kidding me”, he declared. Despite the enthusiasm, the market reaction was contrary.
Stocks fall even after recommendation
On Thursday morning, Tesla shares fell 1,7% in pre-market trading, trading at US$ 231,75.
Recent performance is also not encouraging. In five days, shares fell 5%. This month, the drop is 35%. Year-to-date, the decline is already 42%.
JPMorgan analyst Ryan Brinkman highlighted the gravity of the moment. “We have a hard time thinking of anything analogous in the history of the automotive industry where a brand has lost so much value so quickly.”, he said in a report.
Government support and tense scenario
Lutnick's comments were not isolated. They are part of a larger movement within the Trump administration that appears to be coming out in defense of Tesla.
Last week, the president himself displayed cars from the automaker at the White House.
The environment around Tesla is increasingly turbulent. There are protests against the company at several dealerships across the country.
In response, authorities vowed to investigate the protesters for domestic terrorism.
Trump went further. In a post on Truth Social, he warned: “People caught sabotaging Teslas have a good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the financiers. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!”, stated the president.
Analyst alert close to the company
Just before Lutnick spoke, one of Tesla’s closest analysts issued a warning. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities acknowledged the gravity of the moment. “Let's call things what they are: Tesla is going through a crisis", wrote.
Even though Ives is known for his optimism about the company, he called for immediate action.I strongly urge Musk and the Board to speak up, stop being silent, and help resolve this brewing crisis at Tesla."
Elon Musk tops billionaires ranking with $311 billion fortune
Businessman Elon Musk tops the ranking of billionaires in the Bloomberg, with an estimated net worth of US$311 billion. Data is updated daily based on the New York market close.
Fortune concentrated in Tesla and SpaceX
Musk is the CEO of Tesla, considered the world's most valuable automaker. He owns about 13% of the company and also has more than 300 million stock options as part of a 2018 compensation package.
This package was annulled by a court decision in 2024, but the numbers are still included in the calculation while the appeal is ongoing.
Additionally, Musk heads SpaceX, which is valued at nearly $350 billion according to an offer made in December 2024.
He owns approximately 42% of the company, which supplies rockets to NASA and other space missions.
To estimate the value of the stake, Bloomberg applies a 5% discount because it is a private company.
Other business and personal debts
Musk also controls about 74% of X Corp, formerly Twitter, which he bought for $44 billion in 2022. The company has lost about 68% of its value since then, according to investor data.
The entrepreneur has stakes in other startups such as Neuralink, xAI and The Boring Company. These were valued based on recent investment rounds, with a 15% discount for liquidity.
Some of Elon Musk's shares are being pledged as collateral for personal debt. According to 2024 filings, 58% of his Tesla shares were used as collateral for a $3,5 billion loan. He is also said to have pledged shares in SpaceX.
Elon Musk planted the seed of hatred by giving the **** salute at President Trump's inauguration, now Tesla is doomed to bankruptcy for his reckless and **** attitude! 🤡
People who support Hamas and are anti-Semitic are talking about greetings. They are really very worried.
You're a ****. Go study you idiot.
hahaha
The guy salutes **** and then says that the problem is the opposition lol joke
Nothing to do with it, you leftists are actually possessed by demons
You leftists are demonic, you want respect but you don't respect others, you bunch of demonic terrorists, you sons of ****, you want chaos.
You have to understand that this **** Trump government is the one that has encouraged this... with layoffs and out-of-control inflation in the US... MUSK is taking advantage and that's why he blames the left.
You are mistaken, that gesture is not a greeting**** but rather a practice among North Americans.
The left doesn't know how to lose, that's why they're already burning Tesla cars. But that's a great sign... The more the **** IQ 87 from Brazil and abroad show their teeth, the more their political biases fail and they're heading towards the abyss. Musk didn't make any **** greetings, stop being a manipulator, you average subordinate ****. Thank goodness that leftism in the world is only decreasing, nobody told these people to destroy other countries, now the destruction is going to come to them!
And what do we say here in Brazil about those who don't know how to lose?
The spell turned against the sorcerer, Trump, this antichrist incarnate, will cause a civil war in the USA, Americans killing Americans, the cabaret is on fire.
How sad. Mr. Elon was given the position to work for the benefit of the sweat of Americans that is wasted by a few. Mr. Elon, you do not need this job acquired by Mr. Donald Trump. Mr. Elon, leave the political office and take care of your family and companies.
Mr. Donald Trump needs to put the FBI in that position of yours, not you.
Elon Musk! If I were you, I would quit this job; you don't need this job. If you don't quit this job, you will certainly go bankrupt; quit while there is still time, go take care of your business! Quit this job for the love of God. Have you noticed that after you got into this job you only made losses? Get out of this as soon as possible before you go bankrupt.
Mr. Musk….Mr. Trump…..****, you've already sucked the guys today, what the hell Mr., go **** in the woods
coming
Vish 2