Musk has witnessed a mass sell-off of Teslas in recent weeks, in protest against his unprecedented intrusion into the US government through the so-called ādepartment of government efficiencyā. Sales of new vehicles have declined around the world, with February sales in Australia down about 72% compared with the same month in 2024; in Germany sales were down 76% for the same period, while Teslaās stock price has lost almost half its value since December.
As protests have grown, the White House has rallied round Musk. Last week Donald Trump claimed the boycott was āillegalā, while Pam Bondi, the attorney general, said on Friday she would launch an investigation into vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms.
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In Brooklyn, people were apparently undeterred by the threat. Teslas driving past the protest were treated to a volley of boos, and lusty chants of āSell your Teslaā. The demonstration certainly appeared to have restricted the number of people entering the dealership: the Guardian counted three customers in the space of an hour and a half.
A lot harder to go after aerospace factories and launch sites, both of which are at least āsecure areasā in the commercial sense if not ārestricted areasā in the national security sense.
I agree that itās easier to go after starlink contracts and express disappointment to those working for Musk rather than going to the sites themselves.