Trump says he will label violence against Tesla domestic terrorism

WASHINGTON — Recent violence against Tesla dealerships will be labeled domestic terrorism, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday as he selected a new Tesla car to show support for the electric carmaker’s chief, his ally Elon Musk.

Shares of the automaker closed nearly 4% higher on Tuesday, rebounding from the biggest one-day fall in four-and-a half years on Monday. Activists have lately staged so-called Tesla Takedown protests to voice displeasure over Musk’s role in sweeping cuts to the federal workforce at the behest of Trump and cancellation of contracts that fund humanitarian programs around the world. Musk, the world’s richest person, is spearheading the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump said at the White House, referring to the demonstrators. Nearby, a number of Tesla vehicles were lined up on the driveway between the mansion and the south lawn. “Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell.”

About 350 demonstrators protested outside a Tesla electric vehicle dealership in Portland, Oregon, last week, while nine people were arrested during a raucous demonstration outside a New York City Tesla dealership earlier in March.

There have also been recent reports of vandalism on Tesla vehicles and showrooms that are under investigation.

Trump’s decision to buy a Tesla electric vehicle — he chose a Model S — was a significant show of support for Musk, who has come under criticism for his work in Washington. Model S pricing starts at about $80,000.