Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., speaks in front of a poster of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has intensified his criticism of progressive political leaders, alleging that inflammatory left-wing rhetoric has incited a surge in vandalism and violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and their owners. In a Thursday interview on USSpotlight News’ Special Report, Musk claimed the backlash stems not only from individual perpetrators but from systemic "anti-Tesla propaganda" amplified by Democratic critics and media allies.
"The real villains aren’t the people keying cars or throwing Molotov cocktails—it’s those spreading lies to turn the public against us," Musk told host Bret Baier. He singled out opposition to his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal agency that has drawn controversy for slashing millions in program funding and eliminating federal jobs. Musk argued that Democratic leaders’ condemnation of DOGE policies has "poisoned the well," framing Tesla as a symbol of corporate overreach.
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Reports of Tesla-related incidents have escalated in recent months, ranging from graffiti and slashed tires to arson attacks on dealerships and drive-by shootings. Musk cited threats against employees, including death threats directed at him personally, and condemned the violence as "baseless and un-American."
The FBI confirmed Monday it has established a task force to investigate the attacks, which agency officials are treating as potential acts of domestic terrorism. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel stated, "These coordinated efforts to intimidate Tesla owners and disrupt commerce will not be tolerated."
Musk also revealed that the Trump administration has pledged to pursue those funding or promoting anti-Tesla narratives. "The president told me, ‘We’re going after the propagandists—the ones bankrolling the lies,’" he said, though he provided no specifics on legal actions.
When pressed about his decision to remain at DOGE amid mounting scrutiny, Musk compared the vitriol he faces to attacks on former President Donald Trump, including accusations of fascism. "They called Trump worse than Hitler. Now they’re calling me a Nazi. It’s the same playbook to sabotage anyone challenging the status quo," he said, referencing a since-debunked magazine cover that once likened Trump to authoritarian dictators.
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President Donald Trump, right, and White House senior advisor and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk depart after looking at Tesla vehicles on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 11.
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Musk’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions over his dual roles as a federal agency head and CEO of a polarizing tech giant. Critics, including environmental and labor groups, accuse DOGE of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock dipped 2% following the interview, reflecting investor unease over the escalating controversy.
The White House has not yet commented on Musk’s claims, but the Department of Justice confirmed it is "monitoring" the FBI’s investigations. For now, Tesla owners like San Diego resident Clara Nguyen say they feel caught in the crossfire: "I bought this car to help the planet. Now I’m scared to park it in my own driveway."
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