- Tesla showrooms, charging stations and vehicles have been vandalized and set on fire across multiple states. President Donald Trump stated he may classify these acts as domestic terrorism.
- Authorities have made arrests in connection to some Tesla attacks, including individuals accused of arson and using explosives against dealerships.
- Tesla stock continues to decline, experiencing its longest losing streak since 2010. Its market value has lost $800 billion since mid-December 2024.
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President Donald Trump weighed in on the recent vandalization and attacks against Tesla showrooms, charging stations and vehicles across the U.S. in recent weeks. The president said he may designate those responsible as domestic terrorists.
“I will do that. I’ll do it. I’m going to stop them. We catch anyone doing it, they’re harming a great American company. You know, I’ve stood up for the NFL, I’ve stood up for a lot of American companies. You do it to Tesla, you do it to any company, we’re gonna catch you, and you’re gonna go through hell.”
President Donald Trump
Trump stands with Musk amid Tesla’s struggles
On Tuesday, March 11, Trump stood alongside CEO Elon Musk in front of a lineup of Tesla vehicles at the White House. During the event, Trump purchased a vehicle from Musk as a public display of support for the electric vehicle company, which has seen its stock drop 48% this year.
Musk has been advising Trump on scaling back government operations through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). It’s an initiative that has led to widespread layoffs across federal agencies.
The job cuts have sparked protests outside Musk’s facilities, with some demonstrations escalating into vandalism and arson.
Recent attacks on Tesla locations
Several high-profile incidents of vandalism and destruction at Tesla locations have been reported:
- Massachusetts: Multiple Cybertrucks were spray-painted, and their tires were slashed overnight on Tuesday, March 11, according to Dedham Police Department.
- Seattle: Four Tesla electric vehicles were set on fire Sunday night, March 9, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
- South Carolina: A Tesla charging station was defaced with spray paint and attacked with Molotov cocktails on Friday, March 7, according to the North Charleston Police Department.
These are just a few of the most recent attacks, however, reports of vandalism against Musk’s company are widespread nationwide.
Arrests made in connection to some attacks
Authorities began making arrests in connection to these incidents.
In Portland, police said surveillance footage captured a suspect throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership, igniting fires. In a separate incident, the same suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds into the dealership, according to a report from KPTV FOX 12.
Another arrest occurred in Colorado late February. According to local CBS affiliate KKTV, authorities accused the suspect of spray-painting vehicles and signage before throwing explosives at multiple cars.
Trump Administration calls attacks domestic terrorism
When asked whether those responsible could actually face domestic terrorism charges, Trump spokesperson Harrison Fields told The Hill:
“The ongoing and heinous acts of violence against Tesla by radical leftist activists are nothing short of domestic terror. President Trump has been clear: These attacks, or any other attack intended to intimidate or coerce our government or its people, will not stand in President Trump’s America.”
Harrison Fields, Trump Administration Spokesperson
Following Trump’s purchase at the White House, Musk posted on X.
“In support of the policies of President Donald Trump and to demonstrate our confidence in the future of the United States, Tesla commits to doubling vehicle production in the U.S. within two years!” Musk wrote.
Tesla’s financial struggles continue
Tesla stock remains in decline. The company suffered seven consecutive weeks of losses, marking its longest losing streak since going public on the Nasdaq in 2010.
Since mid-December, the company’s market capitalization has dropped by $800 billion.
