Protesters Rally at San Francisco Tesla Store Against Federal Job Cuts, Targeting Elon Musk

Dozens of protesters gathered outside a Tesla store in San Francisco yesterday, voicing their anger over the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal employees. The demonstration, held at the corner of Van Ness and O’Farrell, was part of a national movement opposing government spending cuts spearheaded by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

“We have the power to break Tesla,” one protester shouted, highlighting the choice of location as a direct jab at Musk’s financial ties to the company. Demonstrators expressed concern over the dismissal of federal workers, noting that many of those affected are women and people of color who provide vital community services.

Rallies extended beyond San Francisco, with protesters blocking traffic outside SpaceX’s D.C. office. Former federal employees shared emotional accounts of sudden terminations. “Reading that I was let go for failing at my duties was a gut punch—I know I did my job,” said one worker.

Despite the backlash, President Trump and Musk defended their actions at a Florida conference, describing the cuts as necessary to “restore democracy and the will of the people.” Yet, protesters vowed continued resistance, chanting, “The power lies with us, the workers.”

Nationwide protests are expected to continue as DOGE eyes staffing reductions at key federal agencies, including the Pentagon.