Those Who Hate Elon Musk Vandalize Teslas in California, Other States

Tesla, and its CEO Elon Musk, have become increasingly politicized in 2025, particularly due to Musk’s alignment with right-wing politics and his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

This has led to widespread backlash, including vandalism of Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the U.S., as well as protests dubbed "Tesla Takedowns."

Some Tesla owners have reported feeling targeted or harassed due to the brand’s association with Musk’s political stances, with incidents like spray-painting and tire-slashing documented in places like LA, Portland, Boston and Seattle. Additionally, some owners have taken to using bumper stickers to distance themselves from Musk’s views, like “I bought it before Elon went nuts.”

Tesla’s shifting image from an eco-friendly status symbol to a politically charged one is striking.

A note left on a Tesla in Venice

Posts on X and articles from sources like the Los Angeles Times indicate that some LA Tesla owners are selling their cars or facing social pressure, with bumper stickers like “I bought it before Elon went nuts” popping up. Protests, including “Tesla Takedown” events, have hit LA Tesla showrooms, though these are citywide, not Westside-specific.

No formal notices from authorities or HOAs have been documented, but informal community sentiment could be at play in politically progressive areas like Santa Monica or Venice.