Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has been at the center of controversy since taking on a special role within the Trump administration, which has led to significant backlash against the electric car maker. His efforts to drastically cut spending through job cuts and downsizing popular programs have sparked widespread anger across the country. As a result, Tesla has become a prime target for critics, with showrooms across the nation bearing the brunt of the impact.
A series of vandalism incidents have already led to the arrest of several individuals who have been caught defacing Tesla showrooms and destroying vehicles. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, along with Musk and President Trump, have stated that such acts of vandalism will be treated as domestic terrorism. According to charging documents obtained by 404 Media, the suspects were tracked down using a combination of traditional investigative work and modern technologies such as license plate readers and digital footprint analysis.
In one notable case, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, who allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at Tesla charging stations in South Carolina, was identified through a combination of glass bottle shards found at the scene, eyewitness descriptions, and surveillance footage. Further investigation led to the discovery of his license plate number, phone number, and address, ultimately resulting in his arrest. A search of his home uncovered a notebook containing statements opposed to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as well as other evidence.
Similar methods were used to track down other perpetrators, with police utilizing surveillance cameras, license plate lookups, and DNA evidence to build their cases. If convicted, each of the defendants faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of twenty years.
In today’s era of widespread surveillance and smartphone usage, it has become increasingly difficult to commit such crimes without being caught. Tesla vehicles themselves are equipped with cameras, and Musk has mobilized the White House and Justice Department to defend the company, leading local police to take these incidents particularly seriously.
Tesla has ramped up security and activated Sentry Mode on all vehicles at stores https://t.co/3HwUgE8ZoF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2025
While it’s understandable that people may be upset with Musk’s actions, vandalizing Tesla showrooms may not be the most effective way to express dissent. In fact, it could have the opposite effect, encouraging loyal supporters to purchase new vehicles. Additionally, such incidents can be used to justify the expansion of the surveillance industry, which can point to these cases as evidence of the need for increased monitoring.
The backlash against Tesla seems to be having a significant impact on the company’s stock price, which has fallen by 37% so far in 2025. Even some of Musk’s long-time supporters are calling for him to step down from his role in the DOGE and stop the bleeding. It remains to be seen whether Musk will eventually be forced to reevaluate his priorities or if he will continue to prioritize his other business interests over the well-being of Tesla.
