President Trump’s call for harsh 20-year sentences against Tesla vandals has been met with notable silence from Democrats who previously championed legislation against domestic terrorism.
Quick Takes
- At least 10 Tesla locations have been vandalized across the country, with the FBI launching a task force to investigate
- Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled the attacks “domestic terrorism” and charged three individuals in Tesla arson cases
- President Trump proposed 20-year prison sentences for vandals and their financial backers
- Democrats who previously introduced anti-domestic terrorism legislation have remained silent on these attacks
- Despite claims by Trump and Musk, FBI investigations have not yet confirmed evidence of coordinated attacks
Tesla Facilities Under Attack
A wave of vandalism targeting Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles has prompted federal intervention. The FBI has established a dedicated task force to address what many officials are calling acts of domestic terrorism. According to reports, at least 10 Tesla locations have been vandalized across multiple states, with incidents ranging from arson to property defacement. The Justice Department has already brought charges against three individuals for using Molotov cocktails in attacks on Tesla properties, signaling a serious approach to these criminal acts.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has taken a firm stance, officially classifying these incidents as “domestic terrorism.” The FBI issued a public service announcement warning of ongoing attacks, citing concerns about potential escalation. While law enforcement has documented numerous individual cases, investigators have not yet established concrete evidence linking these incidents to a coordinated effort, despite assertions from both Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump suggesting organized opposition from politically motivated actors.
Trump’s Hard-Line Approach
President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for Musk and Tesla while proposing severe consequences for those responsible for the vandalism. In his characteristic direct style, Trump has called for lengthy prison sentences not only for the perpetrators but also for anyone financially supporting these activities. The president’s response reflects his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward what they view as ideologically motivated attacks on American businesses and innovation.
“I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20 year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla. Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions,” said Trump.
Trump’s reference to El Salvador’s prison system, known for its harsh conditions under President Nayib Bukele’s crackdown on gang violence, underscores the severity with which he views these acts. The president’s position has garnered support from his administration, with Attorney General Bondi actively pursuing federal charges against suspects and warning public officials against rhetoric that could be interpreted as encouraging violence against Musk or his companies.
Recent violence against Tesla dealerships will be labeled domestic terrorism, President Donald Trump said as he selected a new Tesla car to show support for its owner, his ally Elon Musk https://t.co/pJzyGI4z92 pic.twitter.com/5deVD0u6Lq
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 12, 2025
Democrats’ Conspicuous Silence
While Republicans have been vocal in condemning the Tesla attacks, Democrats who previously championed anti-domestic terrorism legislation have remained noticeably silent on the matter. Fox News Digital reportedly reached out to 13 Democratic lawmakers who had supported or introduced domestic terrorism prevention bills during the Biden administration, but none responded regarding Trump’s proposed 20-year sentence for Tesla vandals. This silence stands in stark contrast to their previous advocacy on domestic terrorism issues.
In 2023, Senator Dick Durbin and several Democratic colleagues introduced the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, which focused primarily on white supremacist and neo-Nazi threats. The current lack of response to the Tesla attacks has raised questions about consistency in addressing all forms of domestic terrorism, regardless of perceived ideological motivations. Only a few Democratic voices, such as Representative Ro Khanna, have spoken out against the Tesla vandalism, urging fellow Democrats to condemn these acts as wrong and intolerable.
Investigating Coordination Claims
While the Justice Department believes the attacks show signs of organization, federal investigators have yet to confirm connections between the various incidents. An anti-Musk website featuring personal information of Tesla owners has been identified, but its origin remains unknown. Similarly, a group called Tesla Takedown exists to protest Musk but has explicitly disavowed violence. The FBI and ATF are treating each incident as an individual case while looking for potential links.
“I can’t walk past the TV without seeing a Tesla on fire,” Musk said.
Law enforcement officials have indicated that the only common thread confirmed among the attacks is their targeting of the Tesla brand. The growing online animosity toward Musk, particularly following his support for Trump during the 2024 election, has certainly contributed to an environment where videos of Tesla vandalism circulate widely on social media. Whether these attacks represent coordinated terrorism or disconnected acts of criminal mischief remains the focus of ongoing federal investigations.
Sources:
- Trump says violence against Tesla is domestic terrorism | Reuters
- No evidence of coordinated vandalism of Teslas despite Musk and Trump claims
- Dems who railed against domestic terrorism silent as Trump floats 20-year jail sentence for Tesla vandals
