Worldwide protests challenge Trump & Musk policies

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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In recent weeks, there has been a surge in protests targeting the Trump administration, specifically Elon Musk. These demonstrations span the globe, raising questions about their scale, motives, and the figures at their center. Understanding these events requires looking closely at the information available, particularly concerning the policies driving the dissent and the nature of the resistance.

People are mobilizing from major US cities to international hubs. Their actions reflect deep opposition to certain government directions and corporate influence in politics. However, reports vary on the exact size and scope, making examining the details provided by different sources is important.

Unpacking the Scale of Protests

Reports indicate significant mobilization against the current administration and Elon Musk’s role within it. Over 600 events were reportedly planned across all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and even internationally (Global Protests Set: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk). This suggests a widespread, coordinated effort to voice opposition. Major demonstrations were anticipated in key locations like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and London’s Trafalgar Square.

While one source projects “tens of thousands” participating globally (Global Protests Set: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk), other sources provide more concrete, albeit smaller, numbers regarding specific incidents. For instance, the Department of Justice acknowledged at least 10 attacks on Tesla-related properties since the January 2025 inauguration (Truthout). Therefore, a distinction exists between the large number of planned events and the verified scale of specific actions like property damage, suggesting a mix of large peaceful gatherings and more minor, more confrontational incidents.

Why Target Trump and Musk?

The protests, specifically named Donald Trump and Elon Musk, focus on their interconnected roles in government policy. Musk’s position is particularly central; he heads the new Department of Government Efficiency under Trump (PBS NewsHour). This department has become a lightning rod for criticism due to its aggressive pursuit of budget cuts and privatization efforts, which opponents argue harm essential public services.

Activists explicitly oppose what they term Musk’s “decimation of government agencies” through drastic spending reductions and workforce cuts (Truthout). Consequently, attacks on Tesla properties, like dealerships and Cybertrucks, are described not just as vandalism but as symbolic acts of resistance against these policies and Musk’s significant political influence within the Trump administration (PBS NewsHour). For many, particularly in communities reliant on robust public services, such cuts represent a direct threat to well-being, further fueling the opposition.

Understanding the Activism Landscape

The term “Global Day of Action” appears connected to these events, suggesting coordinated, widespread demonstrations (Global Protests Set: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk). While not explicitly defined in the available materials, protests in North America and Europe against Tesla properties fit this idea of a fragmented yet linked international effort (PBS NewsHour). These actions unite various groups critical of the administration and Musk’s influence.

Organizers identified include the “Tesla Takedown” movement and the progressive coalition Indivisible (PBS NewsHour; Truthout). Both groups emphasize nonviolent, lawful protest methods, publishing guides for peaceful assembly and condemning violence (PBS NewsHour). Nevertheless, the sources provided do not specify the demographic makeup of these “diverse” groups or mention direct involvement from established civil rights organizations focused on racial justice. The primary driver appears to be opposition to government restructuring and budget cuts, framed as halting unlawful actions (Truthout).

Government Response and Protest Context

The backdrop for these protests is clearly the policy direction under Trump, particularly the actions taken by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The slashing of public spending and perceived alignment of government policy with Musk’s corporate interests form the core grievances (PBS NewsHour; Truthout). While specific demands aren’t detailed in the sources, the overarching goal seems to be resisting these changes. Protesters frame their actions, including movements like the “Tesla Takedown,” as necessary opposition to governmental overreach and restructuring (Truthout).

The government’s response, particularly from Trump, has been harsh. He has threatened severe penalties, including 20-year sentences for those damaging Tesla property, and labeled the activities as “domestic terrorism” or “leftist terrorism” (Truthout). Trump even suggested sending individuals convicted of vandalizing Tesla property to prisons in El Salvador (Axios). Interestingly, no counter-protests are mentioned in the provided materials, suggesting the current conflict is primarily between activists and the administration, which seeks to delegitimize the dissent through strong rhetoric and threats of punishment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.