Protests Erupt Against Elon Musk Amid Declining Tesla Sales and Controversies

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Hundreds of protesters rallied outside Tesla dealerships across the United States over the weekend, criticizing CEO Elon Musk's political involvement and its impact on the company's reputation. Organized by groups such as Anonymous on Bluesky, demonstrations occurred in locations from New York City to Austin, with slogans like "Musk is stealing from you" and "Stop Musk's Coup," urging supporters to sell their Teslas and join picket lines.

Musk's role in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency has faced backlash, contributing to a Quinnipiac poll indicating a 53% disapproval rate regarding his involvement in politics. The American EV Jobs Alliance found Musk's favorable rating among EV drivers has plummeted to 35%. Veteran GOP strategist Mike Murphy suggested that Musk's association with right-wing politics is overshadowing his identity as an electric vehicle pioneer, negatively affecting brand perception.

Recent sales figures reveal troubling trends for Tesla, with January registrations in Germany down nearly 60% from 2024. Analysts warn that Musk’s political engagement, coupled with the potential removal of federal EV tax credits, poses significant risks to the automaker's sales and overall market competitiveness.

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