Elon Musk has recently sparked controversy by calling Tesla boycotters “patriots” amid reports that the Miami Dolphins football team refused to partner with Tesla. This statement came in the context of mounting backlash against Musk and his companies due to his far-right political support and actions.
Tesla has faced widespread protests and boycott campaigns, particularly in Europe and the UK, where activists have criticized Musk for his support of far-right figures and interference in politics. These protests have included vandalism of Tesla dealerships and charging stations, with some activists labeling Tesla vehicles as “Swasticars” due to Musk’s Nazi-like salute at a Trump inauguration rally14. The backlash has led to a decline in Tesla sales and a significant drop in the company’s stock value.
In the United States, the political divide surrounding Musk has deepened. Former President Donald Trump publicly supported Musk by purchasing a Tesla and condemning the boycott efforts, calling Musk a “great American” and asserting that he should not be penalized for being a patriot. Trump described the boycott as an illegal and collusive attack by “radical left lunatics” and suggested that attacks on Tesla dealerships should be considered acts of domestic terrorism234.
Musk’s response to the Miami Dolphins’ refusal to partner with Tesla was to praise the boycotters as patriots, aligning himself with a narrative of political resistance against what he and his supporters view as unfair treatment due to his political stance. This incident highlights the increasing politicization of Musk’s business ventures and the polarized public reaction they provoke.
In summary, Elon Musk’s labeling of Tesla boycotters as patriots follows a series of politically charged events and protests against his company, reflecting the broader cultural and political tensions surrounding his public persona and business activities. The Miami Dolphins’ decision not to partner with Tesla is a recent example of how these tensions are affecting corporate partnerships and public perceptions of the Tesla brand.
