Tesla Showrooms Targeted in Growing Wave of Violence

A disturbing rise in violent attacks on Tesla properties has emerged, with incidents ranging from arson and vandalism to shootings and Molotov cocktails. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations, and even privately owned cars have been targeted both in the U.S. and abroad. The situation has escalated to the point where Tesla was even removed from an international auto show in Canada due to security concerns.

Experts believe the surge in attacks is linked to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s increasing political prominence. Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Musk was appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which focuses on slashing federal spending. This alignment with Trump has made Tesla a symbolic target for opposition protests and, in some cases, outright violence.

Escalating Incidents and Law Enforcement Response

Since the start of Trump’s second term, Tesla properties have become flashpoints for political unrest, mirroring the way Trump’s own properties were targeted during his first term.

• Colorado: A woman was charged for attacking Tesla dealerships with Molotov cocktails and spray-painting “Nazi cars” on a building.
• South Carolina: Federal agents arrested a man for setting fire to Tesla charging stations. Investigators found anti-government writings in his possession.
• Oregon & Washington: Multiple Tesla locations in Portland and Seattle have been hit with gunfire and arson. Four Cybertrucks were set ablaze in Seattle.
• Las Vegas: Several Tesla vehicles were firebombed outside a service center, with the word “resist” spray-painted across the building.

Authorities are treating these incidents with growing concern. FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated that while it remains unclear whether these attacks qualify as terrorism, the patterns suggest a politically motivated agenda.

From Progressive Darling to Political Flashpoint

Tesla was once championed by progressives for revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry, especially after receiving a $465 million federal loan under the Obama administration. However, Musk’s recent shift toward conservative politics—marked by his $250 million donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign and his acquisition of Twitter (now X)—has alienated many of his former supporters.

Musk’s deepening ties with Trump have intensified the backlash. While Tesla’s stock initially doubled after Trump’s reelection, it has since lost those gains. Meanwhile, Trump has publicly endorsed Tesla, even turning the White House driveway into an EV showcase and promising to purchase a Model S.

Tesla has not responded to requests for comment, but Musk addressed the vandalism on a podcast with Sen. Ted Cruz. “At least some of it is organized and paid for by left-wing organizations,” he claimed. In a post on X, he called the attacks “insane and deeply wrong.”

Tesla Owners Caught in the Crossfire

Many Tesla owners, caught in the political crossfire, have started using bumper stickers to distance themselves from Musk’s politics. Some read, “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy,” while others say, “I just wanted an electric car.”

Used Cybertruck prices have dropped nearly 8% since Trump took office, according to CarGurus, while the broader used car market has remained stable.

White House Promises Crackdown on Attacks

Trump has labeled the Tesla attacks as “domestic terrorism” and vowed severe consequences. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into the funding and organization of these incidents, warning, “If you’re going to touch a Tesla, do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you.”

Despite these developments, some analysts, such as Colin Clarke of the Soufan Center, argue that left-wing violence typically targets property rather than people and may not pose as severe a security threat as rising far-right extremism.

Looking Ahead

Tesla remains at the center of an intensifying political divide. While Musk’s influence in the Trump administration continues to grow, the backlash against Tesla shows no signs of slowing. Yet, for many Tesla owners, the appeal of their vehicles remains unchanged.

“Hate on Elon and Trump all you want,” said Tesla enthusiast Theresa Ramsdell. “It doesn’t justify ruining someone’s property. I’m not going to let somebody else judge me for the car I drive.”

Source: AP News – Violent attacks on Tesla dealerships spike as Musk takes prominent role in Trump White House

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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is looking to charge at least one federal agency millions of dollars for its work to streamline and modernize government operations.

The Deal with OPM: What’s at Stake?

According to a draft agreement obtained by CNN, DOGE is asking the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fund 20 full-time positions for work scheduled between January 20 and July 4, 2026. The bill for this service could surpass $4 million.

The proposed work aims to modernize OPM’s outdated systems. The draft outlines a “critical need for rapid and thorough IT modernization,” which OPM is unable to handle internally. Under the terms, OPM would need to grant DOGE access to its data, systems, and provide necessary operational and technical support.

DOGE’s Mission: Efficiency or Controversy?

DOGE’s supporters, including Musk, argue that the department’s efforts are designed to make the government more efficient and save taxpayers money. However, critics are concerned about the department’s broader agenda — specifically its plans to reduce federal workforce size and access sensitive government data.

It’s still unclear whether DOGE intends to charge other federal agencies for similar services, as little is known about its budget and operations. DOGE is structured to avoid public disclosure under federal records laws, as it’s housed within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), part of the White House. This setup allows DOGE to function with the protections of executive privilege, shielding it from some oversight.

A Costly Agreement: How Much Will OPM Pay?

The draft agreement outlines that OPM would need to pay DOGE in advance each month for the work. While the agreement allows for some flexibility — including the potential for less work or reimbursements — it remains unclear whether any payments have been made so far.

Key Points from the Agreement:

• Position Funding: The full-time positions would be funded at the highest federal pay grades, typically reserved for senior managers. For example, the base annual salary for a position at this level is around $141,817, with the potential to reach $189,950 for positions based in Washington, D.C.
• Total Cost: Funding 20 full-time positions at the base salary over 17.5 months would add up to approximately $4.1 million.

One OPM employee, speaking to CNN anonymously, noted that although some may think people are “working for free,” the agency is, in fact, paying for the services. “It’s like having a contract with an entity to perform services, except this is forced on us,” the employee said.

Musk’s Role in DOGE

Musk’s involvement in the government is not new. President Donald Trump appointed him as a “special government employee” — a title that doesn’t fully capture his influence. Musk has attended Cabinet meetings and played an instrumental role in reshaping government operations through DOGE, which was previously known as the United States Digital Service (USDS) before Trump rebranded it on his first day in office.

While Musk has described himself as a volunteer, his department consists of highly skilled software engineers and tech professionals, many of whom could be earning far more in the private sector. “Some people are federal employees,” Musk said in a recent interview with Fox News. “But it’s fair to say that the software engineers at DOGE could be earning millions of dollars a year, and instead are earning a small fraction of that as federal employees.”

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Despite its lofty goals, DOGE has faced significant scrutiny over its lack of transparency. With little information available about its budget, operations, and specific funding sources, taxpayers are left in the dark about the true costs of Musk’s government efficiency projects.

As the deal with OPM moves forward, the question remains: is DOGE truly saving the government money, or is this another example of unchecked federal spending under the guise of efficiency?

Source

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