Protests Surge Against Tesla as Musk Faces Backlash over Political Ties

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In a wave of coordinated protests labeled "Tesla Takedown," hundreds gathered at Tesla dealerships across the U.S. and internationally over the weekend, demanding accountability from CEO Elon Musk for his involvement in the Trump administration. Demonstrators displayed signs criticizing Musk, chanting slogans like "Sell your Teslas, dump your stock," as frustration mounts over perceived ties to far-right politics and the potential impact on Tesla's brand reputation.

According to a Quinnipiac poll from late January, 53% of voters disapprove of Musk's prominent role in the administration, highlighting a significant backlash against the CEO. The American EV Jobs Alliance reported a 35% positive rating for Musk among EV drivers, with 42% expressing negative sentiments. Veteran GOP strategist Mike Murphy noted that Musk's political image has eclipsed his identity as a leader in the EV sector, complicating Tesla's marketing efforts.

Tesla's sales have already seen a decline, with Germany reporting a nearly 60% drop in registrations this January compared to last year. Analysts express concerns that Musk's actions could further harm Tesla's market presence amid potential cuts to federal EV tax credits under the current administration.

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