Dozens gather at Tesla dealerships, to both protest and support
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – Several Tesla dealerships were met with protestors in the Tampa Bay area on Saturday, including Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg.
These were a part of the hundreds of protests planned for Tesla dealerships across the country.
Federal job cuts by the numbers: Will layoffs affect the economy?
The protests are part of a campaign called 'Tesla Takedown,' which is organized by people who are against President Trump and Elon Musk and their push to cut the federal workforce.
'Our primary message is we don't want an unelected person, and his minions, going into our government and robbing us of money and programs,' said protestor, Valerie Ackerman.
In St. Pete, dozens of people gathered on both sides of the issue.
'We're here just to say that people don't want unelected people raiding our government. I'm on social security. If my check doesn't come, I become homeless very quickly,' Ackerman said.
Those who support President Trump and his decision to have Musk lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, were present— many of them holding American Flags.
'I don't want my money going to other countries for other things. Just take care of the American people first, just take care of this country. I mean, we have vets sleeping on the streets. It's crazy out there,' said supporter, Jimmy Day.
Trump administration revokes state and local health funding
The topic of Tesla's in general came up with people who are both for and against DOGE.
'It's the most American-made car out there and three or four years ago, the left, the far left, loved the electric car, loved Tesla, but now they want to burn them down,' Day said.
'We're fine with people who drive Teslas, we're fine with people who love electric vehicles. We love electric vehicles. Everyone should love electric vehicles,' Ackerman said. 'What we have a problem with, is the CEO, and this is our only way of protesting that.'
Supporters said they have no problem with Musk in a government role.
'I think he's here for the country, here for the American people,' said Day.
American flags were flown, signs were held up, and people used their First Amendment rights to make their voices heard.
'People's voices have to be heard loudly and clearly. We are a peaceful protest, at all times, non-confrontational,' Ackerman said.
'It's a free country, you're allowed to think and do what you want to do. They're allowed to stand here on a public sidewalk. I'm allowed to stand out here on a public sidewalk,' Day said.
Organizers said there are more protests planned for April.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
37 minutes ago
- Axios
Trump team proposes Iran talks this week on nuclear deal, ceasefire
The White House is discussing with Iran the possibility of a meeting this week between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to four sources briefed on the issue. The objective would be to discuss a diplomatic initiative involving a nuclear deal and an end to the war between Israel and Iran. Why it matters: The meeting hasn't been finalized yet, but it is part of a last-ditch effort by President Trump to swerve away from war and back toward dealmaking. "A meeting with the Iranians this week is under consideration," a U.S. official confirmed. The meeting could be a make-or-break moment for the question of whether the U.S. will join the war in order to eliminate Iran's nuclear program militarily. Zoom in: Trump sees the massive bunker busters needed to destroy Iran's underground enrichment facility at Fordow — which the U.S. has and Israel does not — as a key point of leverage to get Iran to cut a deal, a senior U.S. official said. Describing the decision on bunker busters as an "inflection point," the official said Trump "thinks in terms of deals and leverage. And this is leverage." "They do want to talk," the senior official continued. "But what we don't know is, 'have they been brought to their knees fully so that they realize that in order to have a country, they have to talk?' And assuming they get there, is there any degree of enrichment you would allow them to have?" State of play: Trump has so far declined to directly participate in Israel's attacks on Iran, but he has made clear that Iran must be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon one way or another. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing him to join the war and bomb Fordow. Trump has continued to insist he believes he can make a deal, particularly given Iran's weak negotiating position. Driving the news: Trump shocked the Middle East with a Truth Social post on Monday night in which he called on Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran immediately. Shortly thereafter, Trump dcut short his trip to the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington and focus on the war. These two moves, together with reports of explosions in Tehran, led to reports in the Israelis press and on social media that the U.S. had joined the war. White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer denied the reports. "American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed. We will defend American interests," he wrote on X. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that message in an interview on Fox News and stressed Trump is still seeking a deal. "President Trump hopes there will be peace," he said. Behind the scenes: The Trump administration discussed the meeting proposal with Iran on Monday, the sources said. "We are talking on the phone but it is better to talk in person," Trump said at the G7. Trump expressed hope that Iran would agree to make a deal. "I think a deal will be signed. I think Iran is foolish not to sign one," he said. During the summit, Trump discussed with other leaders the need for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, French President Macron told reporters. "The Americans have made an offer to meet with the Iranians. We will see what happens," he said.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Trump to MAGA critics: I decide what ‘America First' means
Facing backlash from Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson among others for his foreign policy decisions amidst the backdrop of the conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump says he came up with the term "America First" and that he decides what that means.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Trump to MAGA critics: I decide what ‘America First' means
Facing backlash from Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson among others for his foreign policy decisions amidst the backdrop of the conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump says he came up with the term "America First" and that he decides what that means.
