Trump Thinks Attacks On Tesla Dealers Could Be Domestic Terrorism

Michael Accardi
by Michael Accardi

Donald Trump has publicly promised to purchase a Tesla, claiming the move is a "show of confidence and support for Elon Musk." The president accused "Radical Left Lunatics" of attempting to "illegally and collusively boycott Tesla" in an effort to harm Musk and his businesses.


Key Points

  • President Trump announced that vandalism and violence against Tesla dealerships could be classified as domestic terrorism
  • Demonstrators accuse Elon Musk of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the U.S. government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
  • Tesla’s stock has plummeted below its 2024 valuation, global sales are in decline

The endorsement—if you will— comes at a difficult time for Tesla, which has seen its stock price plummet like Space X debris raining down over the Bahamas and massive sales declines in multiple markets. Exacerbating matters, Tesla stores nationwide are facing protests and vandalism, including graffiti, charging station fires, and even Molotov cocktails.


Called Tesla Takeovers, the protests are a response to what demonstrators perceive as a hostile takeover of the federal government by Musk and his newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Under federal law, attacks on company property can be classified as domestic terrorism if they aim to intimidate civilians, influence government policies, or disrupt operations through violence.

"I’m going to stop them. If we catch anybody doing this, they’re harming a great American company," Trump declared on the driveway of the White House. "And let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and you’re going to go through hell."


On the internet, Trump has been carrying water for Musk: “Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” the President wrote on Truth Social. Notable given his past criticism of electric vehicles and his efforts to roll back government incentives for EV adoption.


It remains unclear whether Trump will actually purchase a Tesla or if the announcement is simply political theater. Trump joked the Tesla would be “used by White House staffers, though I wouldn’t be allowed to drive it." The contradiction would be hilarious, as he has previously attacked EVs and government efforts to expand their adoption.


“The one I like is that one, and I want the same color,” Trump said, pointing to a red Model S.


"I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people," Trump said. "And I just want people to know that he can’t be penalized for being a patriot."


Life's a spoof, enjoy.


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Michael Accardi
Michael Accardi

An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.

More by Michael Accardi

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  • Mtb81973837 Mtb81973837 on Mar 13, 2025

    @michaelaccardi

    The headline advertisement in the email autoguide sent of your article sets the tone. "STOP BEING MEAN TO TESLA, OR ELSE."

    "Being mean" Really?! Someone [if not you] @ Autoguide is downplaying and mocking the seriousness of the situation. It's not funny.

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    • Ige82505425 Ige82505425 on Mar 13, 2025

      An honest headline would read "stop terrorizing Teslsa stores and owners or else" you'll be prosecuted for...let's see, oh yeah, domestic terrorism.


  • Nathan Nathan on Mar 16, 2025

    You need to post the correction here. They are not Tesla “protesters.“ They are Tesla vandals and terrorists. Protesters are what Martin Luther King used to do. It was legal, passive, respectable and honorable. Vandalizing and destroying expensive automobiles is not “protest” where I come from.

    • Mtb81973837 Mtb81973837 on Mar 16, 2025

      They changed it already in their email once after I called it out...but still can't stop their bias. The first email headline read: STOP BEING MEAN TO TESLA OR ELSE. Then the next email comes out saying TRUMP WANTS TO CHARGE TESLA PROTESTORS AS TERRORISTS. Clearly their innuendo again shows they can't help themselves by minimizing violence against companies associated with people they hate [Trump and/or Musk].... sad when even automotive 'journalism' has to show political bias and mock the situation. Yes, politics do come into the automotive world when discussing tariffs and CAFE and safety standards which is acceptable if the truth is claimed in the article without bias or rhetoric or mocking adjectives. Then you click on the article and the headline is a more acceptable version of the emailed article they send. If it's not the author as he claims, then it is certainly the editor or whomever is in charge of sending the emails.



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