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San Francisco Tesla Employees Hang “We Hate Him Too” Sign
Tensions are rising as protests against Elon Musk continue across the country, targeting Tesla dealerships. A photo circulating online shows a “We Hate Him Too” sign hung at a San Francisco Tesla dealership on Van Ness Avenue, seemingly reflecting employee sentiment amidst Musk’s controversial role in President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force.
The protests, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown,” began peacefully but have seen a surge in violent incidents, including arson, vandalism, and gunfire targeting Tesla properties. A Massachusetts charging station was set ablaze, and a dealership in Oregon sustained damage from gunfire. Arrests have been made in connection with several incidents, including one in Brookline, Massachusetts, where a man was charged with placing stickers of Musk on Tesla vehicles, and another in Manhattan, where several protesters were arrested outside a Tesla showroom.
Much of the anger directed at Musk stems from DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting measures, which have resulted in numerous federal job losses. Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), have voiced concerns about the task force’s lack of transparency and the potential impact on democratic processes. Adding to the controversy are Musk’s recent statements, including remarks made before Holocaust Remembrance Day and a hand gesture at Trump’s inauguration that some have likened to a Nazi salute.
Online reactions to the San Francisco Tesla employees’ sign have been mixed. While some social media users expressed support for the workers, others questioned their decision to remain employed by a company whose leader they openly criticize.
One commenter, reflecting a sentiment shared by several others, claimed to have encountered widespread disapproval of Musk among Tesla employees during their tenure. Another commenter speculated that the employees have little to lose given the predicted decline in Tesla sales.
Despite the growing unrest and criticism, the White House remains steadfast in its support of Musk and DOGE. A spokesperson reiterated the administration’s commitment to streamlining government operations and dismissed the protests as inconsequential. Musk himself has not directly addressed the protests but did condemn an act of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, emphasizing that damaging property is not protected under free speech.