EUGENE, Ore. – Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the United States have become targets of increasing vandalism and protests, with a recent incident in Eugene, Oregon, shedding light on the escalating tensions surrounding CEO Elon Musk and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency.
On the morning of March 20, a couple living on Fairmount Boulevard near Hendricks Park in Eugene woke up to a shocking discovery: their Teslas had been vandalized, spray-painted with the words “divest” and “depose.” The couple, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said a security camera on their property captured a figure in dark clothing approaching their vehicles shortly before dawn. The individual, carrying a backpack, appeared to be deliberately preparing for the act.
The couple expressed their fear and confusion after the incident. “Whoever came, they came in the middle of the night, they had a backpack, they were prepared. It could have happened to anybody and now I feel very unsure of where we’re at,” one of the individuals said. “Before, I felt like I could leave my front door open, and now I feel a little bit insecure about that.”
The incident in Eugene is part of a disturbing nationwide trend targeting Tesla. This growing movement of protest has manifested in both peaceful demonstrations and increasingly violent acts. In February, a woman was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails and spray-painting a Tesla dealership in Colorado. Earlier this month, police responded to gunshots fired at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon.
While such violent actions make headlines, peaceful protests have also taken place at numerous Tesla locations, where demonstrators voice their opposition to Musk’s leadership of the electric vehicle giant and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency. Critics argue that Musk’s influence in both business and government is having a negative impact on policy and society, fueling calls for his removal and a reevaluation of his power.
The widespread vandalism and unrest have left many Tesla owners, including the couple in Eugene, feeling unsettled and vulnerable. The targeted nature of these attacks, particularly in residential areas, raises concerns about safety. As the protests and acts of violence grow in scope, both Tesla customers and employees are increasingly worried about their security.
For some, this wave of discontent marks a tipping point in the public’s perception of Musk and his ventures. While Tesla continues to lead the electric vehicle market, the personal and professional fallout from these protests could have long-term consequences for the company’s reputation and Musk’s influence.
As the protests and incidents of vandalism unfold across the nation, questions remain about how far the movement will go and whether it will spark broader conversations about corporate power and its intersection with government. The tension surrounding Elon Musk and Tesla is far from over, and for many, it has made once-trusted symbols of technological progress now subjects of controversy and fear.
