Over the weekend, demonstrators clashed with supporters outside an Austin-area Tesla dealership in a protest centered around Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role in the Trump administration. According to KXAN, the gathering drew nearly 100 people on Saturday morning, some demanding the boycott of the electric car company, while a few Musk supporters came to show their backing.

Notably in attendance was Alex Jones, the far-right radio host known for his inflammatory commentary. The protests are a reaction to Musk's actions through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, where he has been aggressively reducing government spending and workforce at the behest of President Trump. Signs bearing messages like “Dangerous Oligarchs Gutting Everything” underscored the growing disapproval of Musk's involvement in governance.

Furthering the controversy, KVUE reported on the death of Victor Gomez Sr. at the Tesla Gigafactory, which has spurred a call from U.S. Rep. Greg Casar for more transparency about the ongoing OSHA investigation. As protesters gathered, tensions were high with calls to "boycott Tesla" and scrutiny over Musk's potential personal gain from government cutbacks.

Amid safety concerns, increased security was visible at the dealership. Moreover, the Austin Police Department advised motorists to avoid the area due to traffic disruptions caused by the demonstration. By early afternoon, authorities confirmed the crowd had dispersed. The protests reflect a broader distress not only in the United States but also in Europe, over Musk's disruption in Washington and its ripple effects within the global political climate. Critics claim his actions overstep Congress's budgetary powers and pose various opportunities for the billionaire to enrich himself.

Musk, whose net worth is estimated at $359 billion by Forbes, leads several other ventures, including SpaceX and the social media platform X, apart from Tesla. This diverse portfolio of businesses, coupled with Musk's controversial moves in the political sphere, continue to make him a polarizing figure on both the technological and political fronts.