Tuesday, 18 March 2025
29.2 C
Singapore
30.5 C
Thailand
26.6 C
Indonesia
26.8 C
Philippines

Trump vows to classify violence against Tesla as domestic terrorism

Trump vows to classify attacks on Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism, sparking debate over protests, government cuts, and Muskโ€™s influence.

President Donald Trump has announced that acts of violence targeting Tesla dealerships will be classified as domestic terrorism. This statement, shared via a White House pool report, highlights the growing alliance between Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Recently, Tesla dealerships worldwide have been targeted by protesters who accuse Musk of taking over the federal government through his newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These “Tesla Takeovers” demonstrations have resulted in vandalism, including graffiti on Tesla signage, arson at charging stations, and even Molotov cocktails being thrown at dealership lots.

The protests have coincided with a sharp decline in Teslaโ€™s stock price. After initially soaring following Trumpโ€™s election victory in November 2024, the stock has fallen significantly, underperforming compared to the broader market. Tesla has also experienced a drop in global sales, with many consumers linking the decline to Muskโ€™s increasing political involvement.

Trump warns against attacks on Tesla

During a Tuesday meeting with Musk at the White House, Trump clarified that those responsible for attacks on Tesla will face severe consequences.

โ€œIโ€™m going to stop them,โ€ Trump said, referring to the protesters targeting Tesla properties. โ€œWe catch anybody doing this because theyโ€™re harming a great American company.โ€

He further warned, โ€œIf you do it to Tesla or any company, weโ€™re going to catch you, and youโ€™re going to go through hell.โ€

Under federal law, acts of destruction or intimidation aimed at coercing a civilian population, influencing government policy, or disrupting government operations can be classified as domestic terrorism. Trumpโ€™s remarks suggest that his administration could use this classification to take a strong stance against the growing movement. The protests have evolved into a decentralised movement known as “#TeslaTakedown.”

โ€œThe right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of American democracy,โ€ the statement read. โ€œBy singling out his biggest donorโ€™s business as somehow outside of that democracy, Trump is yet again showing us who he is: a corrupt would-be king. Americans wonโ€™t stand for that.โ€

The organisers stressed that they oppose violence and the destruction of property. โ€œPeaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed.โ€

Concerns over future restrictions

A key issue moving forward is how Trump and Musk will define “violence” and whether peaceful protesters could be classified as criminals. Trump has already vowed to deport international students who participate in protests against Israelโ€™s war in Gaza. This raises concerns that non-citizens in the U.S. could also face consequences for protesting Tesla.

Since signing an executive order in January to establish DOGE, Muskโ€”who donated US$260 million to a Trump-aligned super PACโ€”has led extensive government cutbacks. Entire agencies like USAID have been eliminated, causing widespread job losses and uncertainty. Musk has also suggested that other agencies could face similar “deletions.” Critics argue that Muskโ€™s own businesses, including SpaceX, have greatly benefited from government funding. Data from USASpending.gov shows that SpaceX has secured over $20 billion in contracts from NASA, the Department of Defense, and other agencies.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Trump expressed his support for Musk, stating that he plans to purchase a Tesla, even if he personally wonโ€™t drive it.

โ€œI think heโ€™s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people,โ€ Trump said, according to the pool report. โ€œAnd I just want people to know he canโ€™t be penalised for being a patriot.โ€

Hot this week

NTT DATA boosts India’s digital future with major AI and infrastructure investments

NTT DATA boosts India's digital future with AI expansion, MIST cable launch, and Indiaโ€™s largest data centre campus, driving innovation and connectivity.

ChopNow expands BNPL services with new retail partnerships in Singapore

ChopNow expands its BNPL services in Singapore with new retail partners, offering more flexible payment options for furniture, home dรฉcor, workspaces, and e-bikes.

Oracle could be the leading choice to manage TikTok in the US

Oracle is reportedly the top choice to manage TikTokโ€™s US operations as ByteDance seeks a deal before the April deadline. Uncertainty remains.

The Vision Pro Metallica concert video is Appleโ€™s most immersive experience yet

Appleโ€™s Vision Pro Metallica concert video delivers an electrifying, immersive experience, setting a new standard for concert films.

WD My Passport external HDD (USB-C) review: Big storage in a pocket-sized drive

The WD My Passport external HDD (USB-C) offers high-capacity storage, USB-C and USB-A compatibility, built-in security, and seamless backup solutions in a sleek, portable design.

Nominations open for 4th edition of Singapore 100 Women in Tech Awards

Nominations for the 4th Singapore 100 Women in Tech Awards are open, celebrating women in tech. Submit nominations by 30 April 2025.

IT leaders accelerate AI PC adoption despite security and infrastructure concerns

A new AMD and IDC survey reveals that 82% of IT leaders plan to adopt AI PCs by year-end, despite security and infrastructure concerns.

Samsung to launch Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G in Singapore on 28 March

Samsung will launch the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G in Singapore on 28 March 2025, featuring AI tools, upgraded cameras, and exclusive launch promotions.

Airwallex partners with Discover Global Network to expand payment options

Airwallex partners with Discover Global Network, allowing merchants to accept Discover and Diners Club International cards, reaching 345 million cardholders.

Related Articles