By Pat Bryant*
Americans Rise Up Against Billionaire Power Grab
Protests are erupting across the country in response to Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the billionaire takeover of government. Americans are speaking out against mass firings of federal workers and the dismantling of agencies that have supported families for generations.
The closures aim to fund a massive $6 trillion tax cut for the world’s wealthiest people.
Musk’s Role in the Federal Shutdown
Musk, Tesla’s largest shareholder, gave Donald Trump $288 million in the 2024 election. Trump then placed Musk in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE is now gutting federal programs that have served Americans for over 80 years.
Protests Spread Across the Nation
Protesters are taking action at Tesla dealerships, City Council offices, Republican congressional offices, and state capitols. Tesla stock has already dropped 48 percent since January.
Major Florida cities—Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee—are joining 500 other cities on Saturday, March 29. Protesters will target 277 Tesla dealerships nationwide. Organizers say this could become the largest protest since the 2020 demonstrations over George Floyd’s murder.
Saturday’s protests were announced during a national call that included members of Congress, federal workers, academics, and journalists. What started as scattered outrage is now becoming a historic wave of resistance.
Judicial Pushback and Calls for Impeachment
The changes Musk and Trump are forcing on America are swift and shocking. No other time in U.S. history have leaders dismantled so much so fast. Judges have blocked many of the firings and closures. Trump and the Justice Department are now fighting those rulings and even calling for judges’ impeachment.
Chief Justice John Roberts responded firmly, stating that disagreements with court decisions are not grounds for impeachment.
Lawmakers Join the Resistance
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) supports the protests. She said, “We are fighting for our country and our freedoms—peacefully and non-violently.” Crockett has been a leading voice against Trump’s illegal attempts to fire workers and shut down agencies without congressional approval. Key targets include the Department of Education and Social Security Administration.
Media Focuses on Isolated Violence
Although most protests remain peaceful, a few violent incidents at Tesla dealerships have drawn media attention. In Florida and most other states, demonstrations have been calm and orderly.
Still, three individuals have been indicted for attacking Tesla lots and setting electric cars on fire. These isolated incidents were condemned by protest leaders. Despite this, President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have labeled them terrorists and threatened 20-year sentences.
That harsh response stands in sharp contrast to the pardons and early releases granted to January 6 rioters, who led one of the most violent uprisings in American history.
White House Promotion Raises Legal Questions
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump held an illegal Tesla promotion at the White House—even as Tesla stock tanked. It is illegal for government officials to promote private companies on public property during work hours.
Related: Nationwide Strike Looms
Protesters Target Tesla’s Global Decline
Protesters say their goal is to dismantle Tesla’s influence, just as Trump and Musk are dismantling the federal government. Tesla’s sales are falling due to global competition and public rejection in the U.S., Europe, and China. Board members James Murdoch and Robyn Denholm recently sold more than $100 million in stock.
Florida Protest Sites Announced
Florida protesters will gather Saturday at these key Tesla locations:
- Jacksonville: 11650 Abess Blvd
- Fort Lauderdale: 2829 N. Federal Hwy
- West Palm Beach: 5544 Okeechobee Blvd
- Tallahassee: 2412 W. Tennessee St
Pat Bryant is a southern journalist who focuses on labor and human rights news in the Southern United States.