Tesla charging stations in Massachusetts were set ablaze recently, reflecting growing anger towards Elon Musk. This act of vandalism comes amid protests against Musk’s close connections with Donald Trump and his support for various far-right politicians globally.
The incident occurred at The Point Shopping Center near Boston, where firefighters arrived to find seven charging stations engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has been under fire for his political activities, which many feel are negatively affecting the company’s image and sales. Critics have pointed out that his recent actions, including overseeing significant layoffs in government positions, have sparked backlash not only in the U.S. but also in Europe. In Germany, for example, a suspected arson attack linked to the unrest caused production delays at a Tesla plant.
The backlash against Musk has manifested in various ways. Some Tesla owners have even placed stickers on their cars expressing their disappointment, stating, "I bought it before Elon went nuts." Vandalism has also been reported, including an incident in Colorado where a woman was arrested for attempting to burn down a Tesla dealership.
Musk’s political statements have drawn scrutiny, particularly his encouragement of far-right groups. His actions have reportedly led to a sharp decline in Tesla’s sales, with figures showing a 45% drop in Europe in January alone. Analysts suggest that while some buyers may be waiting for new models, Musk’s political controversies are likely influencing consumer behavior.
The situation escalated further in London, where a poster labeled Tesla vehicles as "the swasticar," highlighting the anger directed at Musk. In Congress, Democrats protested during Trump’s speech praising Musk, holding signs that read "false" and "Musk steals."
As the tension surrounding Musk continues to rise, the long-term effects on Tesla’s reputation and sales remain uncertain. Many Tesla drivers care primarily about the vehicles themselves, but the impact of Musk’s activism may become clearer in the months ahead.