Trump has declared plans to label attacks on Tesla dealerships as “domestic terrorism”

Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to classify the increasing attacks on Tesla dealerships and facilities as “domestic terrorism.” This statement was made during a press conference at the White House on March 11, 2025, in response to a surge in vandalism and arson targeting Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the United States.

Trump labeled these attacks as organized crime, asserting that they are not mere protests but a threat to American innovation and entrepreneurship, warranting severe punishment.

In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable rise in incidents involving Tesla, including property damage, arson, and, in some cases, the use of weapons; for instance, a dozen vehicles were set ablaze at a Tesla showroom in France. In a show of support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Trump purchased a red Tesla Model S, which he left for White House staff use, particularly notable amid a roughly 48% drop in Tesla’s stock value since January 2025.

Conversely, a movement called “Tesla Takedown” has described these attacks as peaceful protests and opposed Trump’s “domestic terrorism” label, arguing that peaceful demonstrations on public property do not constitute terrorism. Legal experts suggest that classifying these attacks as “terrorism” could be challenging, as it requires the intent of the violence to intimidate the government or civilians, rather than solely damaging property.