Elon Musk expressed deep shock at the rising tide of vandalism and hostility directed at Tesla during a recent interview on Fox News. The Tesla and X chief, known for his polarizing public persona, denounced the attacks on Tesla dealerships and vehicles, which he claimed had reached unprecedented levels.
During the “Hannity” segment on Tuesday, Musk noted, “It’s really come as quite a shock to me that there is this level of, really, hatred and violence from the left.” He attributed these incidents to political motives, suggesting that activists on the left were behind the widespread vandalism. Musk pointed to protests that have spread across the United States since he began his controversial role with the White House Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in January. Internationally, slogans like “Don’t buy a Tesla” have even been heard in cities such as Berlin and in Wales.
Musk maintained that Tesla remains a “peaceful” company, emphasizing, “We’ve never done anything harmful.” Yet, he raised suspicions about a possible broader conspiracy behind the vandalism. “I mean, I don’t know, who’s funding it and who’s coordinating it? Because this is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said, though he offered no supporting evidence for these claims.
Musk also linked the protests to DOGE’s efforts to combat what he sees as fraudulent government spending and waste. “And they basically want to kill me because I’m stopping their fraud, and they want to hurt Tesla because we’re stopping the terrible waste and corruption in the government,” he told host Sean Hannity.
These comments come as both President Donald Trump and the Justice Department have recently addressed the vandalism incidents, with police reporting that Tesla charging stations have been set on fire, dealerships have suffered gunfire damage, and vehicles have been defaced. In February, authorities in Colorado arrested a woman on charges related to vandalism, including felony-level explosives misuse.
The backlash has also influenced consumer behavior; some Tesla owners have reported selling their vehicles or putting up bumper stickers proclaiming, “I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy.” Owners of Tesla’s Cybertruck—a model most closely associated with Musk—claim to have noticed an increase in road rage incidents and vandalism.
In a bold and polarizing display of his far-right rhetoric, Elon Musk has once again taken to social media to justify his controversial actions. “My companies make great products that people love and I’ve never physically hurt anyone. So why the hate and violence against me? Because I am a deadly threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls,” he tweeted. This declaration—emphasizing his “never physically hurt anyone” mantra—is a deliberate claim that stands in stark contrast to the widespread suffering and disruption caused by his policies.
Musk’s latest outburst comes as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under his leadership, has slashed the federal workforce by over 62,242 jobs. This drastic reduction, which is part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending and eliminate perceived waste, has contributed to a record-high 172,017 layoffs nationwide in February—the highest monthly total since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Record-Breaking Wave of Layoffs
According to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, federal job cuts have been unprecedented. More than one-third of the total layoffs announced in February can be attributed directly to Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting measures. With 62,242 jobs eliminated across 17 agencies, Musk’s DOGE initiative has not only reshaped the federal workforce but also sparked fierce debates over the human cost of such sweeping measures.
Critics argue that while Musk boasts about his “never physically hurt anyone” stance, his policies have inflicted significant pain on millions of public servants, whose lives have been upended by these massive layoffs. Labor advocates warn that such reductions could undermine essential government services and exacerbate the economic insecurity of countless individuals.
Musk’s Provocative Rhetoric and Political Theater
Musk’s latest tweet is emblematic of his increasing reliance on incendiary language to rally his far-right base. By stating that he has “never physically hurt anyone,” Musk attempts to paint himself as a benign, even benevolent figure. However, this claim does little to mask the reality that his actions have had severe consequences. The phrase “never physically hurt anyone” is a thinly veiled attempt to distance himself from the direct harm caused by his policies, despite the substantial fallout from his aggressive downsizing and politically charged initiatives.
My companies make great products that people love and I’ve never physically hurt anyone.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 17, 2025
So why the hate and violence against me?
Because I am a deadly threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls. https://t.co/qYjoKkpC63
Musk’s penchant for dramatic, often chaotic public stunts has become a recurring theme. His recent appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was a case in point. Dressed in sunglasses, a gold chain, and a t-shirt proclaiming “I’m not procrastinating, I’m doing side quests,” Musk took the stage with a chainsaw—a gift from Argentinian President Javier Milei—to symbolize his commitment to “cutting” government waste. His disjointed remarks, including the declaration “I am become meme,” and musings about whether Fort Knox’s gold is genuine, left the audience bewildered.
Even his supporters on X (formerly Twitter) were left questioning the substance of his message. His erratic behavior, rather than inspiring confidence, has increasingly eroded trust among both investors and customers. Tesla, one of Musk’s flagship companies, has experienced a severe downturn, with its stock plunging over 15% in recent sessions and the market cap declining by nearly $800 billion. This financial collapse is partially attributed to the fallout from Musk’s political antics and the alienation of Tesla’s core customer base.
The Fallout on Tesla and Beyond
The repercussions of Musk’s political theatrics extend far beyond the realm of government layoffs. Tesla, once hailed as a beacon of innovation, now finds itself mired in a crisis of confidence. The company’s sales figures are declining dramatically across key markets, and its global standing as an industry leader is being questioned. With consumers increasingly disenchanted by Musk’s erratic public behavior, Tesla faces an uphill battle to regain its former glory.
Investors have been particularly critical, and recent earnings reports paint a grim picture. Tesla’s Q4 2024 report revealed an 8% drop in automotive revenue and a staggering 23% decline in operating income. Coupled with fierce competition from emerging electric vehicle makers, these figures have cast doubt on Tesla’s long-term viability.
Furthermore, Musk’s involvement in other ventures such as SpaceX and Neuralink has taken a back seat to his political escapades. His focus on campaigning, particularly his vocal support for former President Donald Trump and his far-right rhetoric, has distracted from his responsibilities as a CEO. His controversial leadership at DOGE, which includes massive federal layoffs and aggressive cost-cutting measures, has become a significant liability that continues to hurt his business interests.
A Question of Priorities
Musk’s latest antics raise important questions about his priorities. On one hand, he presents himself as a champion of efficiency and a defender against what he describes as the “woke mind parasite.” On the other, his leadership has led to widespread job losses and a tangible decline in the performance of his companies. His claim of “never physically hurt anyone” now sounds hollow in the face of the massive human and economic costs his policies have incurred.
As Tesla struggles to recover and the broader impact of DOGE’s layoffs continues to reverberate through the public sector, one thing remains clear: Musk’s political theatrics are not just a distraction—they are actively undermining the stability and success of his business empire. His next moves will be critical in determining whether he can shift back to a more balanced, focused approach or if his penchant for controversy will ultimately derail his ambitions.
In the meantime, the fallout from Musk’s actions—both on the federal workforce and within his own companies—serves as a stark reminder that leadership, especially at the highest levels, requires more than just bold statements and dramatic gestures. It demands accountability, substance, and a commitment to the well-being of all stakeholders. Whether Musk can recalibrate his approach and repair the damage remains to be seen, but for now, his empire appears to be teetering on the brink of a reckoning.