The growing national movement against Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration has reached New Orleans, with local residents joining the global #TeslaTakedown protests.
Over the weekend, demonstrators gathered outside the Tesla location on Tchoupitoulas Street, while another rally is planned for this coming Saturday at Lafayette Square. The protests stem from widespread opposition to Musk’s leadership of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has overseen deep federal spending cuts, including reductions in education, scientific research, and foreign aid.
“People are really upset on the scale of ‘the world’s on fire,'” said Sue Mobley, an organizer for the upcoming Hands Off rally and a steering committee member for Indivisible NOLA.
She emphasized that the demonstrations aim to provide a space for people to discuss how these changes impact their lives.
New Orleans’ involvement in the movement follows a wave of #TeslaTakedown protests across the country since Trump’s second term began. The backlash has impacted Tesla’s stock, with sales declining amid calls for owners to trade in their vehicles. Some protests have turned destructive, leading Attorney General Pam Bondi to warn of “severe consequences” for acts of vandalism, while the FBI has launched a task force to investigate violent incidents.
During Mardi Gras, tensions surfaced when Cybertrucks featured in the Orpheus parade were met with boos and thrown beads. One driver, Josh Hazel, reported an incident in which his wife was struck in the head, prompting a police investigation. While Tesla vehicles have participated in the parade for years, this year’s response reflected the growing controversy surrounding Musk.
Musk, for his part, has defended himself, calling the protests a result of “far-left propaganda” and dismissing concerns over Tesla’s declining sales. Despite investor worries, he remains confident in the company’s future.
With input from Axios, the Associated Press, and Wired.
