President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his rhetoric regarding the recent attacks on Tesla cars and property, suggesting that the perpetrators should be labeled as “terrorists.” In a dramatic statement, Trump compared the alleged Tesla attackers to the rioters involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, emphasizing the severity of the violence against Elon Musk’s company.
Trump’s Strong Language Against Tesla Attackers
Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, condemned the vandalism and arson targeting Tesla properties, asserting that the individuals responsible should face harsh penalties. “I view these people as terrorists,” Trump declared, increasing the intensity of the language surrounding the protests. While many of the protests at Tesla showrooms across the nation have remained peaceful, some escalated to violent acts, including setting cars on fire.
In response to growing unrest, Trump has consistently expressed his support for Musk’s company and has encouraged Americans to purchase Tesla vehicles. In a notable show of support, Trump was seen buying a Tesla on the White House South Lawn to boost car sales.
The Debate Over Comparing Tesla Attacks to Capitol Riot
In an unexpected turn, Trump also referenced the January 6 Capitol riot, where a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Trump emphasized that the Tesla attacks were more dangerous than the riot, stating, “You didn’t have that on January 6, I can tell you.” He pointed out that the Capitol riot resulted in one fatality — Ashli Babbitt, who was shot by Capitol police — but did not acknowledge the several police officers who died by suicide in the months following the riot or the injuries sustained by roughly 140 Capitol police officers.
Trump’s comments seemed to downplay the violence and chaos of the Capitol insurrection while elevating the severity of the attacks against Tesla, which have so far not resulted in fatalities or significant injuries.
Legal Actions Against Tesla Protesters
On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi moved forward with charging three individuals for allegedly destroying Tesla property with molotov cocktails, labeling the act as domestic terrorism. Trump appeared to support the legal measures, even suggesting on Truth Social that the individuals responsible should be sent to El Salvador’s notorious prisons for a 20-year sentence, calling them “sick terrorist thugs.”
The Growing Divide Over the Tesla Protests
The Tesla protests have sparked debate across the country, particularly in response to Elon Musk’s efforts to shrink the federal government and his controversial business practices. While some see the protests as a form of justified outrage, others view them as acts of terrorism deserving of severe legal consequences.
Trump’s condemnation of these actions and comparison to the Capitol riot highlights the polarization surrounding Musk and the ongoing political tension.
COMMENTS