In early 2025, Tesla became the focal point of widespread protests and vandalism, with incidents spanning the United States, Europe, and beyond. What began as isolated acts of destruction in January escalated into a coordinated campaign by March, leaving Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles damaged or destroyed. The events have ignited fierce debates, prompted political responses, and led to ongoing investigations, making this one of the most controversial stories of the year.

The wave of vandalism started small but quickly grew in scale and intensity. On January 20, 2025, Tesla vehicles were set on fire in Salem, Oregon, marking the beginning of a series of attacks. By March, the situation had spiraled out of control. In Ontario, Canada, over 80 Tesla vehicles were damaged in a single night. In Las Vegas, five Teslas were set ablaze, with the word “RESIST” painted on the storefront. Similar incidents occurred in Kansas City, Seattle, and even internationally in Toulouse, France, where twelve Teslas were torched.

While some protests remained peaceful, such as the “Tesla Takedown Movement” led by actor Alex Winter, which encouraged people to sell their Teslas and join picket lines, the more destructive acts overshadowed these efforts. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled the vandalism as “domestic terrorism,” and the FBI, under Deputy Director Dan Bongino, launched investigations into the incidents, treating them as potential acts of domestic terrorism.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, responded forcefully, accusing “larger forces” of funding and coordinating the protests. He pointed fingers at billionaires like George Soros and Reid Hoffman, though he provided no evidence. Musk called the vandalism “terrorism” and expressed frustration over the attacks on his company. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, suggesting that vandals should serve 20-year sentences in El Salvador’s controversial prisons. In a show of support for Musk, Trump purchased a Tesla, calling the vandals “sick terrorist thugs.”

The economic impact of these events has been significant. Tesla’s stock plummeted, wiping out $23 billion from Musk’s net worth in a single day. According to Edmunds, Tesla owners are trading in their vehicles at record levels, signaling a potential crisis for the company.

Legally, the situation is complex. While no federal charge for domestic terrorism exists, vandals are being charged with other crimes, carrying potential prison sentences of 5 to 20 years. The Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has taken a hardline stance, labeling the acts as “domestic terrorism” and pursuing severe penalties.

Internationally, the protests have also made headlines. In Germany, a Tesla factory near Berlin was set on fire by the far-left group “Volcano Group.” These incidents highlight the global reach of the anti-Tesla sentiment, raising questions about the motivations behind the attacks.

The human impact of these events cannot be ignored. Tesla employees, owners, and communities are left grappling with the fallout. For some, the vandalism represents a fight against corporate power, while for others, it’s an unjustified attack on innovation and progress.

As investigations continue and legal battles unfold, one thing is clear: the Tesla protests and vandalism of 2025 have left an indelible mark on the company and the broader conversation about technology, activism, and justice. Whether this marks a turning point for Tesla or a temporary setback remains to be seen.