Protesters target Tesla stores in US over Elon Musk's cost cutting

Core Viewpoint - Protests against Tesla highlight the potential risks associated with Elon Musk's close ties to the Trump administration, which may impact the company's sales, particularly in liberal markets [2][4][8]. Group 1: Protests and Public Sentiment - Demonstrators gathered outside Tesla dealerships across various US cities, with groups of up to 100 participants, in response to Musk's government spending cuts [1]. - Protesters carried placards comparing the Trump administration to Nazis, a characterization Musk has denied [2]. - American musician Sheryl Crow publicly sold her Tesla and donated the proceeds to NPR, criticizing Musk's political affiliations [5][6]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Some Tesla investors are concerned that Musk's political associations, including over $200 million spent on the presidential campaign, could negatively affect sales in liberal areas like California [4]. - Tesla's shares constitute about one-third of Musk's wealth, with significant financial ties to his other ventures, including SpaceX [7]. Group 3: Sales Performance - Tesla reported its first annual decline in sales in 2024, although the impact of Musk's political stance on this decline remains uncertain [8]. - A notable 60% year-on-year drop in Tesla sales in Germany has been linked to Musk's support for the far-right AfD party [9]. Group 4: Political Backlash - Tesla may face political repercussions in the UK, where calls have been made for tariffs on Tesla cars in response to US steel import levies [10].