“Congress will investigate the sources of these attacks and help the DOJ & FBI ensure those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Congress will investigate "domestic terrorism" attacks against Tesla, following reports of vandalism and destruction at Tesla dealerships and charging stations across the country. This comes after President Donald Trump on Tuesday bought a Tesla and showed it off in front of the White House with Elon Musk, saying that his administration would be considering the attacks on Telsa dealerships as domestic terror attacks.
“Congress will investigate the sources of these attacks and help the DOJ & FBI ensure those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Johnson posted on X Wednesday morning, praising Elon Musk’s efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency as “heroic.”
Attacks have been staged on Tesla dealerships in Oregon, Massachusetts, California, Colorado and New York, largely from demonstrators opposed to Musk’s efforts with DOGE, as his team has worked to reduce government spending and identify waste. Protesters have been seen holding signs comparing Musk to Hitler and calling him a Nazi. Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations have been vandalized, with multiple vehicles and charging stations reportedly set on fire.
President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that the attacks on Tesla dealerships would be classified as domestic terrorism.
“I'll do it," Trump told reporters when asked if the violence would receive that designation. "I'm gonna stop 'em. We catch anybody doing it, because they're harming a great American company."
"And they're bad guys,” he added. “They're the same guys that screw around with our schools and universities. The same garbage. No, we're gonna catch 'em. Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla you do it to any company, you're gonna go through hell."
Tesla's stock has declined in recent days amid demonstrations and calls for boycotts. On Tuesday, Trump publicly supported the company as Tesla delivered several vehicles to the White House. He also stated he would purchase a Tesla as a show of support.
“I’m going to buy because number one, it’s a great product. As good as it gets. Number two, because this man [Elon Musk] has devoted his energy and his life to doing this, and I think he has been treated unfairly,” Trump told reporters.
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