Protesters Stage "Takedown Tesla" Demonstration Outside NYC Showroom
- 17GEN4
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
New York City, March 29, 2025 – A group of protesters gathered in front of the Tesla Showroom in Manhattan on Saturday, lying down on the roadway to block access as part of a coordinated effort dubbed "Takedown Tesla." The demonstration, aimed at Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role in the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reflects growing public discontent with Musk’s influence in federal policy. The protest, which began in the early hours of March 29, disrupted traffic and drew significant attention from onlookers and law enforcement.
The demonstrators, numbering in the dozens, voiced opposition to DOGE, a Trump administration initiative led by Musk to streamline federal spending and reduce the government workforce. Chanting slogans such as “No One Voted for Elon Musk” and holding signs reading “DOGE Kills Jobs,” the protesters sought to pressure Tesla’s bottom line by targeting one of its flagship urban showrooms. According to posts on X, some participants accused Musk of overstepping his role as a private citizen, with one user,@jackunheard, noting on March 1, 2025, that similar sentiments had previously erupted at Tesla locations nationwide.
This latest action follows a wave of anti-Musk protests in recent weeks. On March 8, the Chicago Tribune reported that hundreds rallied in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood under the same “Tesla Takedown” banner, decrying Musk’s DOGE-related cuts to federal agencies (Chicago Tribune, March 8, 2025). Similarly, the Detroit News covered a protest in Troy, Michigan, on March 23, where over 100 demonstrators lined streets near a Tesla dealership, aiming to “hit the pockets” of the billionaire (Detroit News, March 23, 2025). Saturday’s Manhattan event marks an escalation, with protesters physically obstructing the roadway—a tactic not widely reported in prior demonstrations.
Musk’s DOGE initiative has sparked widespread controversy since its inception. Tasked with downsizing the federal government, the program has already reduced thousands of jobs, prompting backlash from unions and progressive groups. The Chicago Tribune noted that DOGE’s changes have been perceived as increasing political control over historically autonomous agencies, fueling protests like the one in New York (Chicago Tribune, March 8, 2025). Some demonstrators also expressed broader grievances, with X posts from @libsoftiktok on March 13 alleging links between these protests and Democratic fundraising efforts, though no concrete evidence has substantiated these claims.
Tesla has yet to issue an official statement regarding the Manhattan protest, but the company has faced similar disruptions in recent weeks. On March 13, X user @libsoftiktok reported that anti-DOGE activists “took over” a Tesla showroom in NYC, suggesting a pattern of targeting the automaker’s retail spaces. Meanwhile, Tesla customers have joined the fray, with the Detroit News reporting that some have sold their vehicles in protest of Musk’s political involvement, amplifying the movement on social media (Detroit News, March 23, 2025). As of 10:24 AM MST on March 29, the situation in Manhattan remained fluid, with police monitoring the scene. Posts on X from @TaraBull808 earlier today confirmed the protesters’ presence, linking to footage of the blockade. While the demonstration’s immediate impact on Tesla’s operations is unclear, it underscores the growing tension between Musk’s corporate empire and his polarizing role in government affairs. Whether these protests will sway public opinion—or federal policy—remains to be seen, but for now, the streets of New York have become a battleground in the fight against DOGE and its architect. 17GEN4.com
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