By Gina Yarbrough
Encinitas, CA–Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Encinitas on Saturday, voicing their outrage over recent federal job and funding cuts initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The demonstration, held along the sidewalks of Encinitas Boulevard and El Camino Real, was organized by Tesla Takedown, a grassroots organization encouraging the public to sell their Tesla vehicles and divest from Tesla stocks in response to the controversial policy changes.
Participants held homemade signs and chanted slogans denouncing President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, criticizing their efforts to dismantle federal agencies as part of a broader initiative aimed at streamlining government operations.
Although the rally remained peaceful throughout most of the afternoon, tensions briefly escalated when the driver of a black Tesla Cyber Truck confronted the protesters. The driver appeared to be exchanging words with protesters before driving away without further incident.
Tesla Takedown, which has been gaining traction online, aims to mobilize public dissent against Musk’s policies through targeted rallies.