During a revealing interview on "Special Report" with Bret Baier, broadcasted on Fox News, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, delivered strong criticisms and insights into the recent surge of violent incidents targeting Tesla and its patrons. These incidents vary from vandalism to darker acts of arson and even shootings. Musk linked these hostilities directly to anti-Tesla propaganda, allegedly stemming from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency.
According to Fox News, Elon Musk attributes recent violent acts against Tesla properties and owners to misinformation spread through left-wing narratives.
Musk specifically pointed fingers at Democratic leaders, whose public disapproval of his administrative decisions and policies at the Department of Government Efficiency, he believes, has fueled these aggressive actions. Under Musk's direction, the DOGE has implemented significant reductions in government funding and staffing, a move that has not been without controversy.
Musk conveyed during the interview, "The real problem is not the people. It's not like the crazy guy that firebombs a Tesla dealership. It's the people pushing the propaganda that cause that guy to do it. Those are the real villains here."
According to Musk, the severity of these attacks has prompted an official response from federal authorities. The FBI, now under the leadership of Director Kash Patel, has launched a task force to investigate these occurrences as acts of domestic terrorism.
This decision came to light on Monday, emphasizing the gravity with which the administration is treating these threats.
Musk added, "They are being fed propaganda by the far left, and they believe it." He emphasized that the violence has escalated to include not just property damage but also direct threats against lives.
Building on this point, Musk highlighted the Trump administration's commitment to rooting out and dealing decisively with the sources of such harmful rhetoric. President Donald Trump's government has taken an active stance in not only countering the negative portrayal but also intending to target those financing and spreading these falsehoods.
"They are firebombing Tesla dealerships. They are shooting guns into stores. They are threatening people. They are issuing death threats against me and other Tesla personnel." Musk expressed his concerns about the direct threats posed by the individuals influenced by this propaganda.
In a more reflective passage, Elon Musk drew parallels between the disinformation campaigns faced by both himself and President Trump. He criticized the media's portrayal of Trump, recounting exaggerated comparisons and unfounded accusations leveled against the president.
"The president has made it clear: We’re going after them. The ones providing the money, the ones pushing the lies and propaganda. We're going after them," Musk shared regarding the administration's proactive approach.
Musk believes strongly in holding those accountable who perpetuate what he sees as dangerous and unfounded narratives. "Why do they push these lies? I think we need to hold people responsible for pushing these lies, because those lies almost got the president killed," said Musk, alluding to the potential consequences of such extreme negative portrayals.
The Tesla CEO wrapped up the first part of his interview by reinforcing his view of Tesla as a victim of political scapegoating. "Tesla is a peaceful company that has made great cars, great products. That's all it's done. It hasn't harmed anyone. And yet people are committing violence," he lamented.
The next segment of his interview is eagerly awaited and is scheduled to continue the following day at 6 p.m. ET. His comments have already sparked considerable discussion on social media, reflecting the polarized views on the matter.