U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that any acts of violence targeting Tesla dealerships will be labeled domestic terrorism, warning that perpetrators will “go through hell.”
Trump made the statement on Tuesday, March 11, in a strong show of support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whom he described as a close ally.
Tesla’s stock saw a nearly 4% rebound on Tuesday following the president’s remarks, recovering from its worst single-day drop in over four years. The announcement came after Trump appeared at the White House alongside Musk to select a new Tesla model for his staff.
Protests Against Tesla and Musk’s Role in the Government
Recently, “Tesla Takedown” protests have gained momentum, with activists expressing outrage over Musk’s involvement in widespread federal workforce cuts and the cancellation of government contracts funding global humanitarian programs.
Musk, currently the world’s richest person, is leading the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a newly established entity focused on restructuring federal spending.
“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump said at the White House, standing beside Musk, who wore a black “Make America Great Again” cap. Several Tesla vehicles were displayed on the South Lawn.
“Let me tell you, you do this to Tesla, or any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell,” Trump warned.
Growing Tensions and Arrests at Protests
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields condemned the recent anti-Tesla demonstrations, describing them as “ongoing and heinous acts of violence” by “radical leftist activists.”
Last week, around 350 demonstrators protested outside a Tesla dealership in Portland, Oregon, while earlier in March, nine individuals were arrested during a demonstration at a New York City Tesla showroom. Reports of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and showrooms are also under investigation.
A group claiming to organize the Tesla Takedown protests responded on Bluesky, emphasizing its commitment to nonviolent activism.
“Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed,” the group stated, calling for more participants to join the demonstrations.
