Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a stern warning to individuals targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships, emphasizing that the Justice Department will aggressively pursue those responsible for recent attacks. The announcement follows a series of vandalism incidents, including gunfire at a Tesla showroom and a Molotov cocktail attack on a dealership.
“If you’re going to touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, or do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you,” Bondi declared in a March 14 interview with Fox Business. One suspect is already facing up to 20 years in prison for attacking a dealership, and authorities across the country are ramping up investigations into similar acts of vandalism.
A movement called "Tesla Takedown" has emerged as a platform for individuals protesting Elon Musk’s budget cuts and the mass termination of federal workers under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Critics argue that these attacks are politically motivated, as Musk has increasingly become a divisive figure in both business and politics.
Trump Labels Tesla Attacks as Domestic Terrorism
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that those attacking Tesla could be classified as domestic terrorists. “We already know who some of them are. We are going to catch them. If you do it to any company, we will catch you, and you are going to go through hell,” Trump stated at the White House.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed this sentiment, stating on social media that she and her colleagues have formally requested an investigation by the Justice Department. The move signals a possible escalation in government action against those targeting Musk’s company.
Tesla’s Stock Volatility Amid Unrest
The attacks on Tesla have coincided with a sharp decline in the company’s stock value, which has dropped approximately 32% over the past month. However, following Trump's declaration of support and commitment to purchasing a Tesla, shares saw a slight rebound.
Growing Concerns Over Foreign Influence
While domestic tensions surrounding Tesla have escalated, experts warn that external forces, particularly from China, may be fueling instability. China has long sought to undermine U.S. technological advancements, and with Tesla at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry, the nation’s economic and political interests could be at play. Beijing has previously been accused of using cyber warfare, espionage, and financial maneuvers to weaken American corporations.
Furthermore, China has been ramping up its own electric vehicle production, aiming to dominate the global market. Weakening Tesla through stock manipulation, cyberattacks, or indirect involvement in protests could serve Beijing’s long-term strategic interests. Some analysts suspect that China may be covertly supporting anti-Tesla movements in the U.S. to slow the company's expansion and cripple its competitive edge against Chinese EV manufacturers.
As the Justice Department intensifies its crackdown, authorities remain vigilant about potential foreign interference. With Tesla being a crucial player in the U.S. economy and a key innovator in the automotive sector, ensuring its stability against both domestic and international threats has become a national priority.
