- Source: detroitnews.com
Public Outcry Against Musk’s Influence
TROY— A large group of protesters gathered at Big Beaver Road and Lakeview Street on Sunday to voice their opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role in the federal government. The demonstration, organized by activist Hank Kennedy, was strategically placed near the Tesla showroom at Somerset Collection in Troy, aiming to encourage a boycott of the electric vehicle company. Protesters Rally Against Elon Musk held signs with slogans such as “Deport Musk,” “Stop Trump and Musk. This is Treason,” along with symbols protesting against Dogecoin, reflecting their discontent with Musk’s political and financial actions.
Kennedy, a resident of Hazel Park, emphasized concerns over Musk’s stance on government programs, particularly Social Security. “He called Social Security a Ponzi scheme. You only say that if you plan to get rid of it, which would push many seniors and disabled individuals into poverty,” Kennedy stated. This protest marks his third time organizing such an event, with each of Musk’s controversial actions fueling further demonstrations. The protesters’ primary objective is to financially undermine Musk by urging people to divest from Tesla and boycott its products.
Concerns Over Government Downsizing and Data Access
Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration has heightened tensions, particularly regarding his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative responsible for downsizing federal agencies. Protesters expressed alarm over Musk’s access to sensitive government data, citing a federal judge’s recent decision to block DOGE from accessing Social Security records due to concerns of privacy infringement.
Many demonstrators fear that these reductions are part of a broader effort to dismantle key government services. The Trump administration has justified its cuts as necessary measures to address the nation’s growing deficit, estimated at $1.9 trillion annually, with an accumulated debt of approximately $36 trillion. However, critics argue that these cuts are reckless and disproportionately affect essential programs such as Medicare, Social Security, and the National Forest Service.
Among the protesters, Andi Costantini, 60, of Ferndale, voiced fears about the erosion of democracy, calling for the removal of Musk and Trump from office. “Project 2025, we knew it was coming … They’re getting rid of the Department of Education. It’s scary,” she warned.
Public Response and Calls for Action
The Protesters Rally Against Elon Musk drew mixed reactions from the public. Many drivers honked in support of the demonstrators, while others shouted pro-Trump sentiments. Among those rallying was Kate Goodin, 68, who held a sign reading “Delete Musk.” Goodin criticized Musk’s influence over policy decisions without public accountability. “People who voted for Trump wanted lower prices, not cuts to Social Security and the IRS,” she said, arguing that many voters were misled.
Similarly, Regina Cable, a retired teacher from Troy, emphasized the importance of civic action. “We can’t just watch the government shrink and workers get fired. We have to do something,” she asserted, condemning the elimination of the Department of Education and concerns over unauthorized data access.
Beyond the streets of Troy, the Protesters Rally Against Elon Musk has taken on a national scale, with Tesla owners selling their vehicles in protest of Musk’s policies. Many former Tesla supporters have publicly declared their divestment from the brand on social media, signaling a growing backlash against Musk’s political and corporate influence. As the debate over government spending and corporate power intensifies, it remains to be seen how these protests will shape the future political landscape.