Protesters gathered outside a Tesla showroom in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, on Saturday as part of a global demonstration against the company’s billionaire owner, Elon Musk. The “Tesla Takedown” protest aimed to discourage potential buyers from supporting Tesla, reflecting growing concerns over Musk’s increasing involvement in U.S. politics.
The demonstration, one of many held internationally, saw participants holding signs urging a boycott of Tesla. Organizers argue that Musk’s recent political influence, particularly his role in former President Donald Trump’s second administration, is cause for concern.
The BBC has reached out to Tesla for comment, but the company has yet to respond.
Growing Concerns Over Musk’s Political Role
Musk, who was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been at the center of controversy for spearheading aggressive cost-cutting measures within the U.S. government. The department has reportedly eliminated or offered buyouts to approximately 100,000 federal employees, raising concerns about job security and data privacy, as it has access to sensitive personal information on millions of Americans.
Protester Karl Scholz, who attended the Bristol rally, said he had been “losing sleep” over recent developments in U.S. politics.
“If we can just put one or two people off buying a Tesla today to help spread the message and get his stock to go down further and further, hopefully that will give Elon and other billionaires like him the pause to think twice about what they’re doing,” Scholz said.
Tesla’s Declining Sales in Europe
The protest comes amid a significant downturn in Tesla’s sales across Europe. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla sales in the region dropped by 45% in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Protesters hope that continued consumer pushback could further impact the company’s financial standing.
One of the demonstration’s organizers, Meghan Watson, said she and other American expatriates in Bristol formed the group Americans for Action to “raise awareness” about political developments in the U.S.
“Cribbs Causeway might feel a long way from the White House, but taking part in a global day of action shows the massive support for our cause,” Watson said. “People are really concerned about Musk’s actions.”
Global Effort to Boycott Tesla
The Bristol protest is part of a wider movement opposing Musk’s business ventures due to his political ties. Many demonstrators believe that by discouraging Tesla sales, they can weaken Musk’s financial influence and, in turn, his political power.
“If we can protest people buying Teslas and supporting Tesla’s stock, then we can actually make a real change in the damage he’s doing,” Watson added.
As global demonstrations continue, the pressure on Musk and Tesla could intensify, particularly as political tensions surrounding his role in the U.S. government grow.
