Tesla Showrooms Targeted Amid Protests Against Musk
Environmental Progress founder Michael Shellenberger criticizes Democrats for targeting Tesla in protests linked to Elon Musk’s political affiliations.
Michael Shellenberger, founder of Environmental Progress, has voiced strong criticism against Democrats and left-wing climate activists for targeting Tesla showrooms and dealerships across the U.S. The protests, spurred by Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have led to vandalism and violent acts at multiple locations. Shellenberger, appearing on “Fox & Friends,” described the situation as a manifestation of “Musk derangement syndrome,” suggesting that the Democratic Party has lost its way in its opposition to one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers.
Incidents of vandalism have escalated, with reports of gunshots damaging cars and breaking windows at a Tesla dealership near Portland, Oregon. In Salem, Oregon, a man was arrested after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership. Additionally, several Tesla charging stations in Massachusetts were set ablaze, and in Colorado, a suspect was charged after explosives were discovered at a Tesla dealership.
Shellenberger argued that these actions contradict the activists’ supposed commitment to combating climate change, as Tesla is at the forefront of electric vehicle production, a key technology in reducing carbon emissions. He accused the protesters of prioritizing political motives over environmental concerns, pointing out that the protests are driven by Musk’s efforts to cut government spending on what Shellenberger calls “pet projects” unrelated to climate change.
The controversy has attracted attention from President Donald Trump, who has promised to pursue domestic terrorism charges against those targeting Tesla properties. “We’re going to catch them, and they’re going to go through hell,” Trump stated, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to protecting businesses from such attacks.
As tensions rise, the debate over the motivations behind these protests and their impact on the broader environmental movement continues to unfold.