20 sources·Politics

Elon Musk Faces Deteriorating Tesla Sales Amid Violent Backlash and Political Controversy

Tesla's sales decline worsens amidst a surge of violent protests and vandalism linked to Musk's political ties, raising concerns about the future of the company.

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  1. A website doxxed Tesla owners — but some had already sold their cars

    Regardless of their politics, the people BI spoke with didn't see that online doxxing as an effective form of protest against Elon Musk and the White House DOGE office.

    A website doxxed Tesla owners — but some had already sold their cars

    Business InsiderBusiness Insider·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  2. Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

    The automaker’s removal comes after so-called “Tesla Takedown” protests over the weekend, including in Ottawa and Vancouver, that denounced Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role advising U.S. President Donald Trump, who has infuriated Canadians with talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

    Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·1M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  3. Tesla owners targeted in alleged doxxing campaign on ‘Dogequest’ website

    Elon Musk’s ties to the Trump administration have led to an apparent act of intimidation online as Tesla owners now face an ultimatum: sell your car or find yourself on a blacklist.

    Tesla owners targeted in alleged doxxing campaign on ‘Dogequest’ website

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. Tesla Has a Problem — and It’s Not Just Elon Musk’s Politics

    The starkest sign that Musk’s close links to Donald Trump and the Republican Party was beginning to drag on Tesla came from California — a Democratic stronghold — where its registrations fell in all four quarters last year.

    Tesla Has a Problem — and It’s Not Just Elon Musk’s Politics

    BloombergBloomberg·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. Tesla attack map shows wave of Elon Musk products being targeted

    Tesla's favorability among Democrats has been dropping over the last year, despite once being more popular among members of the party than among Republicans.

    Tesla attack map shows wave of Elon Musk products being targeted

    NewsweekNewsweek·1M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  6. Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

    The automaker’s removal comes after so-called “Tesla Takedown” protests over the weekend, including in Ottawa and Vancouver, that denounced Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role advising U.S. President Donald Trump, who has infuriated Canadians with talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

    Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

    ABC NewsABC News·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  7. Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

    The automaker’s removal comes after so-called “Tesla Takedown” protests over the weekend, including in Ottawa and Vancouver, that denounced Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role advising U.S. President Donald Trump, who has infuriated Canadians with talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

    Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

    Associated PressAssociated Press·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  8. Molotov cocktails, gun used to destroy Tesla cars at Las Vegas facility, police say

    Multiple attacks on Tesla vehicles have been reported since the billionaire took a prominent role in the Trump administration, unofficially leading DOGE efforts to dramatically cut government resources and spending via mass firings and funding freezes.

    Molotov cocktails, gun used to destroy Tesla cars at Las Vegas facility, police say

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  9. FBI investigates blazes at Las Vegas Tesla showroom as potential terrorism

    Vandalism, including anti-Musk graffiti, spraypainted swastikas and cut cables and deliberate fires set at Tesla charging stations, has been increasing nationwide as Musk slashes more federal bureaus.

    FBI investigates blazes at Las Vegas Tesla showroom as potential terrorism

    The GuardianThe Guardian·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  1. FOX News
  2. Business Insider
  3. Boston Herald
  4. MEDIAite
  5. Straight Arrow News
  6. Bloomberg
  7. Newsweek
  8. Epoch Times
  9. CBS News
  10. ABC News
  11. Associated Press
  12. USA TODAY
  13. The Guardian
  14. NBC News

Updated: Mar 19th, 2025, 6:45 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Important developments regarding Tesla and CEO Elon Musk reveal a concerning decline in sales, particularly in Europe and China, even before Musk's political involvement with the Trump administration. Tesla paused production to update the Model Y, while competition from companies like BYD intensified. Sales fell 45% in Europe and 49% in China in February. Concurrently, Musk faces backlash due to increased vandalism against Tesla properties in the US, labeled 'domestic terrorism' by authorities, as protest movements like 'Tesla Takedown' arise in response to his political ties. Musk claims this violence is politically motivated, raising fears about the company's future.


Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.
  • Tesla's removal from the Vancouver International Auto Show is reflective of growing safety concerns amid ongoing protests and turmoil surrounding CEO Elon Musk's political associations and influence. The event organizers indicated that they prioritized the safety of attendees, especially in light of aggressive protests echoing concerns over Musk's ties with the Trump administration and calls for a boycott of Tesla products.

  • The decision to exclude Tesla from the event underscores organizers' desire to create a positive atmosphere amid widespread protests and escalating tensions around the company and its CEO's controversial actions in the political arena.

  • Recent incidents involving protests and attacks on Tesla facilities illustrate a rising wave of public discontent, with the emergence of the 'Tesla Takedown' movement highlighting a politically charged climate that affects Tesla's public perception.


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Elon Musk Faces Deteriorating Tesla Sales Amid Violent Backlash and Political Controversy - Pano News