On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning that individuals caught sabotaging Tesla vehicles could face up to 20 years in prison. Trump shared the message on his Truth Social account, stating that authorities were actively searching for those responsible. “People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!” he wrote in the post.
Tesla, Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company, is experiencing turmoil as it grapples with widespread protests, acts of vandalism, and a sharp decline in stock value. This upheaval is largely attributed to Musk’s increasing involvement in right-wing politics and his close association with the Trump administration. These attacks have occurred across the United States and even internationally, reflecting the global nature of the backlash.
Musk’s appointment as head of the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has further fueled the controversy. His implementation of extensive budget cuts and dismissal of government employees has intensified the opposition to both Musk and Tesla.
The situation has had a profound impact on Tesla’s market performance. The company’s stock price has plummeted, losing over 50% of its value since December 2024, as per reports. This dramatic decline has resulted in a loss of more than $800 billion in market capitalization.
As a result of these developments, many consumers who were initially drawn to Tesla’s environmentally friendly image are now distancing themselves from the brand. The company that once led the electric vehicle revolution in the United States now finds itself at the center of a political storm, with its prospects increasingly uncertain.
