Protests erupt in Chicago against Elon Musk’s government role

CHICAGO – In Chicago and across the country, people are organizing protests against billionaire Elon Musk and his role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Outside the Tesla showroom on Chicago’s Rush Street, protesters urged Tesla vehicle and stock owners to sell.

“I’m really upset about what’s going on with the government and Elon Musk’s hand in it, and I think it’s important that we all show up and say something,” protester Bob Whitby said.

Saturday marked a global day of action in the “Tesla Takedown” movement, with demonstrations planned outside Tesla dealerships across the country against Musk and his role with DOGE. Seven of those demonstrations were held at locations across Chicagoland.

“I’m very concerned that someone who was not elected to the federal government has this much power,” protester Sam Blickhan said.

Musk’s supporters are vowing to counter protest the movement and some even showed up to defend him in some cities.

Musk is pushing to improve the image of DOGE. In a Thursday interview with Fox News, he said he is being careful and compassionate with his overhaul of the federal government, even as criticism has been mounting over his previous posts on social media platform X and emails demanding more information from federal workers continue to pour in.

Nationwide, there have been reports of Tesla vehicles being vandalized. Edmunds, a popular online automotive resource, said its data shows a “potential shift” in buyers’ feelings toward Tesla.

Protesters in Chicago said this movement is peaceful, with their goal being to put a dent in Musk’s wallet.

“People are upset about what’s going on and things need to change and they need to listen,” Whitby said.

The demonstration in Chicago ended at around 2 p.m. Protesters handed out information to one another for another demonstration planned for Saturday, April 5, outside Daley Plaza.