In an unprecedented show of dissent, Tesla protesters are gearing up for what they claim will be their "biggest day of action" yet, with plans for 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms worldwide on March 29. This call to action was announced by organizers during a recent mobilizing conference.

The protests, which initially began at a few Tesla outlets in early February, have since expanded, drawing hundreds of activists globally. The protests target CEO Elon Musk's controversial decisions, including slashing federal assistance programs and risking the jobs of tens of thousands in government positions as he helms the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The demonstrators, wielding signs and chanting powerful slogans, are communicating a strong message against Musk’s leadership.

Incidents of vandalism, fire setting, and violence against Tesla showrooms—though not directly linked to the peaceful protests—have raised concerns. Musk and former President Donald Trump have labeled these acts as “domestic terrorism,” which has led to increased legal scrutiny for demonstrators. Attorney General Pam Bondi has promised stringent consequences for those coordinating or funding alleged violent acts.

During the mobilizing call, a diverse array of participants—including actors, filmmakers, federal workers, and academics—focused on raising awareness about the implications of Musk's actions rather than engaging with the rhetoric surrounding potential violence. Tesla's stock has plummeted nearly 40% since the year began, raising fears about the company’s stability amid increasing competition and lackluster sales.

“It's Elon Musk who's destabilizing Tesla, not us,” declared actor and filmmaker Alex Winter, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the movement. Meanwhile, Alice Hu, executive director of Planet Over Profit, confirmed that they plan to have demonstrations at all 277 Tesla locations in the U.S. and many more internationally, even extending invitations for protests at Supercharger stations.

Organizers underscore the need for peaceful demonstrations, with Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) underscoring that their “fight” for democracy and freedom is metaphorical. Given the current political climate, activists have been advised to consult legal experts to navigate varying state laws that may impact their demonstrations.

The protests have been inflamed by Tesla’s stock loss and anxiety over the company’s future. Mikah Lee, an investigative journalist and former Twitter user banned by Musk, touted the strategy of driving down Tesla's stock value as a means to creatively undermine Musk’s financial stability. “If we tank Tesla’s brand, we could force him to liquidate his shares to pay off his Twitter debts, which could lead to a market collapse for Tesla,” Lee commented ominously.

Musk, now the world’s richest individual, holds about 13% of Tesla. The company's value has fluctuated dramatically, dropping from $1.08 trillion earlier this year to roughly $739 billion, which means Musk's holdings have also depreciated significantly.

However, despite the drop in stock value and mounting protests, Musk appears unphased, maintaining substantial political influence. Experts suggest that the nature of his political connections may insulate him from the market repercussions of the activism.

Joan Donovan, an assistant professor who examines media manipulation and disinformation, suggested that Musk's perception of reality diverges significantly from that of the average citizen. “His self-image as a 'meme lord' who has infiltrated the government highlights an alarming disconnect from public sentiment,” Donovan noted.

As March 29 approaches, the stakes are high for both Musk and the Tesla Takedown organizers. Will this day of action lead to substantive change, or will Musk’s political sway overshadow the concerns of his critics? One thing is clear: the world is watching as the battle for Tesla’s future unfolds.