Tesla Cars Set on Fire in Las Vegas as Elon Musk’s Political Influence Sparks Backlash

Billionaire Elon Musk’s Tesla is bearing the brunt of his move as head of the US President Donald Trump’s department of government efficiency (DOGE). On March 19, the EV giant’s multiple cars were set ablaze in Las Vegas as a sign of protest and increasing dissatisfaction from Musk’s rising influence, particularly for his role in the government. The police called the acts “targeted attacks”. 

According to ABC7 News, Attorney General Pam Bondi has defined the acts of burning Tesla cars as “nothing short of domestic terrorism”. “Resist” was written in red on the doors of a Tesla service centre, where the attacks were carried out. Officials reportedly said that one person threw a crude bomb or Molotov Cocktail and fired bullets at the Tesla centre.

Also Read: Elon Musk's Hands Tied? 'Can't Fire Federal Workers', Donald Trump Clarifies DOGE Role

This comes at a time when Tesla shares have been under stress. In the last five days, they have nosedived nearly 5% to $235.86 and decreased by 34% to $235.86 in the past month at NASDAQ. However, on March 19, the US EV giant’s stock rose around 1% to $235.86. 

Prior to this, federal agents arrested a man in South Carolina last week, accusing him of setting Tesla charging stations on fire. In the same week, bullets were fired at a Tesla showroom in Portland. 

Donald Trump’s Support 

Donald Trump wanted to act as a savior to protect Elon Musk’s troubled company and said he would buy a “brand new Tesla” deviating from his past stance of being against electric cars. 

“I’m going to buy a brand-new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American,” said the US President, according to the New York Times. 

Also Read: Donald Trump-Elon Musk Friendship: A Tale of Critique Turning Campaigner

This help by Trump comes after an executive order was signed by him in January this year that removed tax credits for electric vehicles. Last year, the US president had said that supporting the EV industry was “lunacy” but he would do that only to back his foe turned friend Elon Musk.