In recent months, a wave of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships has swept across the United States and beyond, with incidents involving arson, gunfire, and graffiti. These acts, often accompanied by anti-Elon Musk messages, have sparked debate about whether the left, once a champion of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, has abandoned its commitment to green energy in favor of ideological battles. While the vandalism reflects deep animosity toward Musk, the broader left’s support for renewable energy remains robust, revealing a nuanced tension between personal politics and environmental goals.
Since January 2025, Tesla facilities and vehicles have faced over 80 reported incidents of vandalism and arson in the U.S. and Canada, with additional attacks in Europe and Australia. Notable cases include:
Las Vegas, Nevada (March 18, 2025): Multiple Tesla vehicles were set ablaze at a service center, with “RESIST” spray-painted on the doors and bullet holes found in cars.
Seattle, Washington (March 9, 2025): Four Tesla Cybertrucks were destroyed in a fire at a dealership.
Loveland, Colorado (January–February 2025): Lucy Grace Nelson, 42, was arrested after allegedly using Molotov cocktails to burn vehicles and spray-painting “Nazi” and “F— Musk” on a dealership.
North Charleston, South Carolina (March 7, 2025): Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, was charged with arson after throwing Molotov cocktails at charging stations, leaving messages like “F— Trump” and “Long Live Ukraine.”
London, UK (April 10, 2025): The anti-Musk group “Everyone Hates Elon” smashed a Tesla with sledgehammers, spray-painting “Billionaires suck” and “Tax the rich.”
These incidents, often occurring at night to avoid getting caught, suggest a deliberate focus on property damage. Graffiti and stickers with phrases like “NO MUSK” and “Anti-Elon Tesla Club” have also appeared, targeting both dealerships and privately owned Teslas.
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have labeled these acts “domestic terrorism,” with the FBI forming a task force to investigate. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against suspects, some facing up to 20 years in prison. Musk has expressed shock, stating, “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
The vandalism coincides with Musk’s growing political prominence, particularly his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, which began in January 2025. DOGE’s mission to cut federal spending and staff has drawn ire from progressives, who see it as dismantling public services. Musk’s vocal support for conservative causes, his acquisition of X , and his perceived alignment with far-right figures have further alienated segments of the left.
For some activists, Tesla symbolizes corporate excess and Musk’s wealth, estimated at over $400 billion. Groups like “Tesla Takedown” and “Everyone Hates Elon” have organized protests, with some escalating to violence. Environmental concerns, such as Tesla’s water usage at its Berlin Gigafactory or the ecological impact of battery mining, have also fueled local resistance, particularly in Germany.
The vandalism and anti-Musk sentiment might suggest a rejection of green energy, given Tesla’s role as a leader in EVs. Tesla produced 1.8 million vehicles in 2023, avoiding over 100 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, per its 2023 Impact Report. However, equating these acts with a broader abandonment of renewable energy oversimplifies the situation.
The left remains committed to green energy. In the U.S., Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act (2022) allocated $369 billion for clean energy, including EV incentives that benefit Tesla buyers. Globally, left-leaning governments in the EU, Canada, and Australia continue to fund solar, wind, and EV infrastructure, with renewables accounting for 30% of global electricity in 2023 (International Energy Agency).
Public Opinion: A 2023 Pew Research survey found 70% of U.S. Democrats prioritize renewable energy, compared to 30% of Republicans. Many Tesla buyers, especially in blue states, align with progressive values, even if they criticize Musk.
Some on the left critique Tesla not for its EVs but for its corporate practices, such as labor issues or environmental impacts of battery production. Others advocate for public transit or smaller-scale green solutions over corporate giants like Tesla. These critiques reflect a desire for a more equitable green transition, not a rejection of renewables.
The vandalism is largely the work of lone offenders or small groups, not coordinated movements, per law enforcement. Progressive organizations like Indivisible, which organizes “Musk Or Us” protests, explicitly condemn violence and focus on peaceful demonstrations.
Tesla owners, many of whom bought their vehicles for environmental reasons, are increasingly targeted. Some report harassment, with stickers like “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy” appearing on cars to deflect blame. Theresa Ramsdell, president of the Tesla Owners of Washington, said, “Hate on Elon… but it doesn’t justify ruining somebody’s property… I’m not going to let somebody else judge me for the car I drive.”
A Tesla driver in Salem, Oregon, described feeling “penalized because I bought a green car” after witnessing an arson attack. These experiences highlight how Musk’s polarizing persona has turned a symbol of green energy into a political lightning rod.
The vandalism reflects a small but vocal subset of the left’s frustration with Musk’s political shift and wealth, not a wholesale rejection of green energy. The left’s broader commitment to renewables,through policy, investment, and public support,remains strong. However, the attacks risk alienating EV adopters and undermining the environmental movement.
Musk’s role in pushing EVs has been undeniable, but his divisive actions have made Tesla a proxy for larger ideological battles. As Colin Clarke of the Soufan Center noted, left-wing political violence often targets property, not people, but it doesn’t negate the broader security concerns. The challenge for the left is to channel its environmental passion into constructive solutions without letting personal animosities overshadow the urgent need for a sustainable future.
One must consider the achievements of Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and the warnings of former Vice President Al Gore before vandalizing electric vehicles.