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Billionaire Elon Musk Claimed to Be Perplexed by the Rise in Vandalism and Hostility Against Tesla. According to Him, the Company Has Been a Frequent Target of Attacks, Raising Questions About the Motivation Behind This Growing Wave of Hate.
Businessman Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, 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 have reached unprecedented levels and attributed the incidents to the political left.
Growth of Protests
Since January, Musk has been leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which seeks to cut costs and investigate government spending in the U.S.
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Since then, protests against him have spread across the country. The slogan “Don’t Buy a Tesla” has also gained traction in cities such as Berlin and Wales.
“I always thought the left, you know, the Democrats, should be the party of empathy, the party of care, and yet they are burning cars, they’re bombing dealerships, they’re shooting at dealerships, they’re destroying Teslas left,” declared Elon Musk.
Alleged Conspiracy
Without presenting evidence, Elon Musk suggested that the attacks may be part of a coordinated action against him. “I mean, I don’t know, who is financing and who is coordinating? Because this is madness. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said.
The DOGE has been investigating government programs, such as the Social Security Administration, to identify alleged irregular spending. Musk argued that Tesla is a peaceful company and does not deserve to be targeted.
The protests and acts of vandalism continue to occur in various parts of the U.S., but there is no concrete information about who is behind the incidents.
Musk Accuses Fraud in Government Spending and Links Attacks on Tesla to Corruption
Since January, the DOGE has been analyzing federal government spending, seeking to reduce costs and combat fraud. The initiative has sent representatives to various agencies and reviewed federal programs, including the Social Security Administration.
Elon Musk, without naming specific departments, stated 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 harm Tesla because we’re stopping the terrible waste and corruption in government,” Musk told Fox News.
The businessman also defended his actions, stating that he has never done anything harmful.
Attacks on Dealerships and Tesla Stations
In recent months, Tesla has been the target of acts of vandalism, including fires at charging stations, shootings at dealerships, and damage to company vehicles.
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 messing with our schools and universities,” Trump stated.
The Department of Justice confirmed that it is investigating those responsible and classified the attacks as “nothing less than domestic terrorism”.
Tesla Recedes After Commerce Secretary’s Remarks on Stocks
Tesla shares fell on Thursday, the 20th, even after U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick publicly recommended buying shares of the automaker. The statement, made on national television, surprised the market and prompted immediate reactions.
During an interview with Fox News the night before, Lutnick was direct: “If you want to learn something on this program tonight, buy Tesla,” he stated.
He expressed being impressed by the current stock prices. “It’s unbelievable that this guy’s shares are so cheap. They will never be this cheap again,” he added.
Lutnick did not hold back in his praise for the company’s founder. “Who wouldn’t invest in Elon Musk? You must be joking with me,” he declared. Despite the enthusiasm, the market’s reaction was contrary.
Stock Decline Even After Recommendation
On Thursday morning, Tesla shares fell 1.7% in pre-market trading, priced at US$ 231.75.
The recent performance is also discouraging. In five days, shares have dropped 5%. For the month, the decline reaches 35%. Year-to-date, the drop is already 42%.
JPMorgan analyst Ryan Brinkman highlighted the severity of the moment. “We have difficulty thinking of anything analogous in the history of the automotive industry, where a brand has lost so much value so quickly,” he stated in a report.
Government Support and Tense Scenario
Lutnick’s comments did not come in isolation. They are part of a larger movement within the Trump administration, which seems to be positioning itself in defense of Tesla.
Last week, the president himself showcased the automaker’s cars at the White House.
The environment surrounding Tesla is becoming increasingly turbulent. There are protests against the company at various dealerships across the country.
In response, authorities have promised to investigate the protesters for domestic terrorism.
Trump went further. In a post on Truth Social, he warned: “People caught sabotaging Teslas will have a great chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and this includes the financiers. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!,” the president stated.
Analyst Warning Close to the Company
Shortly before Lutnick’s remarks, one of the closest analysts to Tesla issued a warning. Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities acknowledged the gravity of the moment. “Let’s call things what they are: Tesla is going through a crisis,” he wrote.
Even known for his optimism regarding the company, Ives urged immediate action. “I strongly urge Musk and the Board to speak out, stop being silent, and help resolve this crisis that is forming at Tesla.”
Elon Musk Tops Billionaires Ranking with a Fortune of US$ 311 Billion
Businessman Elon Musk is at the top of the billionaire ranking by Bloomberg, with an estimated net worth of US$ 311 billion. The data is updated daily based on the closing of the market in New York.
Wealth Concentrated in Tesla and SpaceX
Musk is the CEO of Tesla, considered the most valuable car manufacturer in the world. He owns about 13% of the company and also has more than 300 million stock options, part of a compensation package from 2018.
This package was annulled by court decision in 2024, but the numbers are still counted while the appeal is ongoing.
Additionally, Musk leads SpaceX, valued at nearly US$ 350 billion, according to an offer made in December 2024.
He holds approximately 42% of the company, which provides rockets for NASA and other space missions.
To estimate the value of the stake, Bloomberg applies a 5% discount for being a private company.
Other Businesses and Personal Debts
Musk also controls about 74% of X Corp, formerly Twitter, purchased for US$ 44 billion in 2022. The company has lost about 68% of its value since then, according to investor data.
The businessman has stakes in other startups like Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company. These have been evaluated based on recent funding rounds, with a 15% liquidity discount.
Part of Elon Musk’s shares is pledged as collateral for personal debts. According to documents from 2024, 58% of his Tesla shares were used as collateral for a US$ 3.5 billion loan. He is also believed to have done the same with shares of SpaceX.
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