- Attacks on Tesla properties surge post-Trump’s election, with arson and gunfire reported nationwide
- Federal investigations link vandalism to anti-government sentiment and Musk’s political alignment
- Used Cybertruck values drop 8% as Tesla’s brand becomes polarized
- Progressive groups condemn violence while Musk accuses 'left-wing billionaires' of funding attacks
In recent months, Tesla dealerships and charging stations have become flashpoints for political violence, coinciding with Elon Musk’s expanded role as a Trump advisor. From Molotov cocktails shattering windows in Colorado to bullet-riddled showrooms in Oregon, these attacks reflect deepening societal divisions. Analysts note Tesla’s shifting identity—once a progressive symbol of climate innovation, now a lightning rod for anti-establishment fury.
Seattle exemplifies this trend. Earlier this month, four Cybertrucks were torched in a Tesla lot, followed by a gasoline attack on a Model S days later. Local authorities found graffiti referencing Musk’s DOGE cryptocurrency advocacy, suggesting perpetrators view Tesla as a proxy for institutional power. This Pacific Northwest pattern mirrors 2020 protests targeting Trump hotels, indicating Tesla’s new status as a political scapegoat.
The financial fallout is tangible. CarGurus data shows pre-owned Cybertruck values sliding nearly 8% since January, even as broader EV markets stabilize. Some owners now affix self-deprecating bumper stickers like, “Bought Before Elon Went Crazy,” attempting to distance themselves from Musk’s polarizing persona. Meanwhile, the White House frames attacks as “domestic terror,” with Attorney General Pam Bondi vowing to pursue funders.
Security experts remain divided. While the Soufan Center’s Colin Clarke argues neo-Nazi groups pose greater threats, others warn that property-focused left-wing violence could escalate. For now, Tesla enthusiasts like Theresa Ramsdell of Washington state prioritize safety over politics, declaring, “I’m not letting strangers dictate what I drive.” As investigations continue, Tesla’s challenge extends beyond engineering—it must now navigate America’s culture wars.