On April 5, 2025, a wave of dissent swept across the United States as thousands gathered for the Hands Off protests, a powerful response to the authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration. This nationwide movement marked a pivotal moment in American activism, signaling a collective decision to transition from passive acceptance to active resistance. The protests, characterized by impassioned speeches and clever signage, aimed not just to voice discontent but to forge a systematic plan to dismantle the troubling trajectory of the current regime.
At the forefront of this resistance is the “Tesla Takedown” movement, which has emerged as a significant force against one of Trump’s most prominent supporters: Elon Musk. By targeting Tesla dealerships across the country, activists have not only challenged Musk’s political influence but have also exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s corporate elite. As retired history professor Elizabeth Leonard, an organizer of the protests, noted, “There’s this bond of being with people who share your love of democracy, decency, and the rule of law.” This sense of community has fueled a grassroots campaign that has begun to affect Musk’s financial standing and public perception.
Recent developments indicate that Musk’s once-unassailable position is faltering. Following a disastrous political intervention in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where a Democratic candidate triumphed by a significant margin, Musk’s reputation has taken a hit. Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 40% since the beginning of the year, wiping out approximately $135 billion of Musk’s wealth. This decline is not merely a financial setback; it reflects a broader discontent among consumers who feel increasingly alienated by Musk’s political affiliations and actions.
The Tesla Takedown movement has adeptly highlighted a crucial weakness in the Trump administration: the financial elites who support Trump often derive their wealth from the very populace that his policies threaten. Companies like Tesla, Amazon, and Meta rely on consumer goodwill, yet their leaders have aligned themselves with a right-wing agenda that undermines the rights and material well-being of many Americans. By connecting these dots, activists are holding Trump’s oligarchic enablers accountable, effectively draining their wealth and influence.
As the movement gains momentum, it raises critical questions about its future direction. Can the Tesla Takedown extend its reach to Musk’s other ventures, such as SpaceX? Activists are already contemplating a strategy inspired by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) framework, which has proven effective in various global contexts. Theodora Sutcliffe, a U.K. organizer for Tesla Takedown, argues that Musk represents a global threat, stating, “He is supporting authoritarians globally and pushing disinformation, and he is driving climate change and climate denial.” This perspective underscores the movement’s potential to transcend national boundaries and address broader issues of corporate complicity in authoritarianism.
The BDS model offers a structured approach to activism that could amplify the movement’s impact. Boycotts of Tesla vehicles are already underway, with influential figures like Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, urging pension fund managers to reconsider their investments in Tesla. Furthermore, local governments are being encouraged to impose sanctions by halting purchases of Tesla products, a strategy that could significantly undermine Musk’s market presence.
SpaceX, another of Musk’s ventures, is not immune to scrutiny. With federal contracts exceeding $20 billion, calls for terminating government contracts with Musk’s companies are gaining traction. Scholar Joan Donovan has emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The self-dealing that is going on inside this administration is awful to watch.” By targeting SpaceX and its Starlink services, activists could further disrupt Musk’s financial empire and challenge the broader system of oligarchic support for Trump.
However, Musk is not the only billionaire aligned with Trump. The movement has the potential to expand its focus to include other corporate elites, such as Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, who have also positioned themselves as allies of the administration. For instance, a campaign to ban Meta’s AI eyewear in schools could deter Zuckerberg from continuing his support for Trump’s policies.
The Hands Off protests have drawn a diverse coalition of individuals united by a shared commitment to democracy and justice. As the Tesla Takedown movement continues to evolve, it has the opportunity to inspire a more comprehensive strategy for resisting the Trump regime. The combination of ineffective leadership from established politicians and the urgency of the moment calls for a unified approach to disrupt the status quo.
In conclusion, the Tesla Takedown movement exemplifies how grassroots activism can challenge the interests of powerful oligarchs. By targeting Trump’s wealthy enablers on multiple fronts, activists can not only disrupt the current regime but also lay the groundwork for a more equitable and democratic society. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but the collective energy of the Hands Off protests offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against authoritarianism. As the movement gains traction, it may very well redefine
