Anger over Tesla founder Elon Musk’s alleged unpaid role in reducing US government spending has now crossed the Atlantic, sparking protests in Europe. Demonstrators initially planned to gather at Tesla’s showroom in Lisbon’s El Corte Inglés on Sunday, March 9, but recent updates suggest the protest may now take place in Porto at the Tesla Center.
The demonstration is listed on the ‘Tesla Takedown’ online platform, which also includes planned protests in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Iceland.
Last weekend, a wave of demonstrations took place across the United States. The movement aims to encourage a boycott of Tesla and retaliate against Musk, who, through the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been spearheading drastic cost-cutting measures. These include mass layoffs of federal workers and the termination of various state programs, including foreign aid initiatives.
The protests have energized many Democrats, who had been feeling demoralized after Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Interestingly, some Trump voters are also joining the movement, admitting they now regret their decision.
One American protester told the press: “This government has gone completely off the rails, and we’re here to stop it.”
It remains unclear who or what organization is behind the ‘Tesla Takedown’ platform, but its message is loud and direct:
“Sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines. Hurting Tesla is stopping Musk. Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy.”
Since Trump took office, Tesla’s stock has dropped by nearly a third, though analysts note that it still remains higher than a year ago.
Since Portuguese news agency Lusa first reported on the planned protest in Lisbon, the event’s listing has disappeared from the Tesla Takedown website. The same has happened with the planned demonstration in Spain, though Spain is still mentioned as a protest location.
As of the latest update (March 4), the protest is now scheduled to take place at the Tesla Center in Porto on Sunday, March 9, at 10 AM. However, since details are changing frequently, those interested should check the Tesla Takedown platform for the latest information.