Weeks of violent protests at Elon Musk’s Tesla showrooms and charging stations are fueling concerns political tensions could be reaching a boiling point amid anger and frustration over Musk's efforts to slash the federal bureaucracy.

From vandalized Teslas to gunshots at dealerships, protests have popped up across the nation amid anger and frustration over Musk's efforts to slash the federal bureaucracy.

Musk is facing mounting backlash over his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is driving mass layoffs at federal agencies, slashing government programs and obtaining access to sensitive personal information. 

Tesla — Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer — has turned into a political lightning rod amid the criticism.  

“The role of wealthy industry leaders in government is sort of making the industry or the company’s product a potential target because there’s this sort of entwining of business leadership and political leadership in ways that people are concerned about that they don’t think are healthy for democracy,” said Adria Lawrence, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University who studies conflict and collective action. 

Many of the demonstrations have been peaceful. But in a few instances, protestors are setting Cybertrucks on fire, spray-painting Tesla showrooms or vehicles with profanity including swastikas, throwing Molotov cocktails or in some places, firing gunshots at dealerships.  

No injuries have been reported.

At least three people are facing federal charges so far in connection with separate attacks against Tesla properties. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned the violent protestors that the Justice Department will “put them behind bars” this week. 

“The people attacking Teslas are trying to send the message that if you support President Trump, they will commit acts of violence to try to intimidate you,” Vice President Vance said in a Friday post on the social platform X. “Our message to them? Terrorists in this country will be brought to justice.”

It is not clear who is organizing the violent protests,........

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