Following a controversial display of a gesture resembling a Nazi salute by Elon Musk on the day Donald Trump assumed office, Tesla facilities have come under a series of violent attacks. The incidents are connected to Musk’s participation in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, which is focused on significantly reducing federal expenditures. This has sparked outcry and protest, prompting a string of destructive assaults on various Tesla properties.
Since Trump’s inauguration, there have been numerous attacks on Tesla facilities numbering more than a dozen, as per reports. One of the more severe episodes occurred in Loveland, Colorado, where a woman identified as Lucy Grace Nelson engaged in repeated attacks on a Tesla car lot. Over a 13-day span beginning January 29, Nelson’s activities included hurling a Molotov cocktail at a Cybertruck, spray-painting the vehicles with phrases such as “Nazi cars” and other derogatory remarks directed at Musk. She continued her vandalism spree four more times until her eventual arrest by local authorities.
Further disturbing events unfolded in Boston, where police reported that several Tesla charging stations had been deliberately set on fire. The arson attacks took place on Monday, severely hampering the infrastructure needed for Tesla vehicles.
Additionally, a concerning incident in Oregon saw a Tesla dealership come under gunfire early Thursday morning. The attack resulted in three vehicles being damaged and several dealership windows shattered, as confirmed by local police.
The string of attacks coincides with a turbulent period for Tesla economically. The electric vehicle manufacturer has witnessed a stark decline in investor confidence, with its stock plummeting over 35% since Trump took office. This downturn contrasts sharply with the surge in Tesla’s stock following Trump’s election victory, which had been fueled by expectations that Musk’s close relationship with Trump would be beneficial for the company.
However, reality has been harsh for the EV maker, with its market performance eroding all gains made post-election, amounting to around $700 billion as per market analysis reports. This financial decline was triggered initially by a report in January indicating Tesla’s sales had dropped for the first time in a decade in the last quarter.
Investor sentiment has also been dampened by perceptions that Musk may be excessively involved in political affairs, possibly at the expense of his responsibilities at Tesla. Alongside this, Tesla’s brand, once synonymous with environmental consciousness, is now increasingly viewed as a symbol of Musk’s far-right political affiliations. This shift in perception among consumers is contributing to the company’s challenges during this politically charged period.
Overall, the confluence of political controversy, violent protests, and eroding market confidence presents a complex challenge for Tesla’s leadership and its future market performance. The company now finds itself at a critical juncture, needing to navigate through these intertwined difficulties while striving to maintain its foothold in the EV market and uphold its reputation among consumers and investors alike.