In a stunning turn of events, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by publicly blasting the Detroit Lions and calling for a Tesla boycott. Musk’s outburst came in response to an unspecified decision by the Detroit Lions, which he interpreted as a betrayal of American innovation.

“They are cowards,” Musk tweeted. “Tesla represents progress—this is pure cowardice.”

The specific action that triggered Musk’s ire remains unclear, but his vehement reaction has sent shockwaves across social media and the business world. The tweet, posted early Tuesday morning, quickly went viral, garnering thousands of retweets and comments within minutes.

Musk’s attack on the Detroit Lions comes amidst growing scrutiny of his increasing involvement in politics. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk’s influence in the White House has expanded, leading to protests and boycott calls. Demonstrators have organized events like “Tesla Takedown” to protest Musk’s influence and call for greater accountability.

The backlash against Musk and Tesla has intensified, with protestors calling for people to sell their Teslas and dump their stock. This has resulted in damages to Tesla cars, showrooms, and charging points not only in the U.S. but also across Europe.

Despite the criticism, Musk has remained defiant, labeling protestors as “deranged” and accusing them of wanting to kill him for his White House work. He also suggested that “larger forces at work” are behind the attacks, questioning who is funding and coordinating the protests.

Adding fuel to the fire, former US President Donald Trump has stepped up to defend Musk and Tesla amidst the public backlash and boycott threats. Trump took to his platform Truth Social to declare his support for Musk, criticizing what he called “illegal” attempts to sabotage Tesla.

The controversy surrounding Musk and Tesla has had a tangible impact on the company. Tesla’s car deliveries dropped by 13% this quarter, their worst in nearly three years, and their stock is down over 10% in just one day.

As the situation continues to unfold, the future of Tesla remains uncertain. Whether Musk can weather the storm of controversy and maintain his position as a leader in the electric vehicle industry remains to be seen.