Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent for The Nation, recently reported on a #TeslaTakedown event in New York and participated in a Zoom “Resistance Lab” training. On March 29, 2025, nationwide protests took place against Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, attracting significant crowds to Tesla dealership locations, including a major rally in Pasadena, California.
At the Manhattan protest, organized by activists such as Alice Hu, Alex Winter, and Annie Wu Henry, thousands gathered to express their opposition to Musk and former President Donald Trump’s policies. The event drew a diverse group of protesters, including Amazon workers, parents with children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The crowd was estimated to be at least 1,000 strong at its peak, despite windy but warm weather.
The protest was bolstered by a nearby march celebrating the ACT UP movement, known for its success in bringing attention and resources to HIV and AIDS issues. Demonstrators carried signs condemning DOGE’s impacts on programs like Medicaid and PEPFAR, and warning of threats to Social Security and Medicare. A poignant moment occurred when a “die-in” was staged at the Tesla entrance to illustrate the movement’s concerns.
Parallel to the outdoor rally, Representative Pramila Jayapal hosted an online session called the “Resistance Lab,” designed to teach principles of nonviolent resistance. The session attracted over 1,300 participants from across the United States and other countries, highlighting the expansive interest in organized defiance against authoritarian actions by Trump and Musk.
During the Zoom meeting, Erica Chenoweth, a scholar on protest movements, discussed the rise of “defiance” as a key element in resisting Trump’s administration. She noted that building a strong and sustained grassroots movement is crucial in countering autocratic leadership. The session emphasized a strategy to increase participation across diverse political spectrums to create a significant popular movement.
The event underscored the need for broad mobilization and strategic activism to counter current threats to democracy and civil rights. It concluded with a call for continued courage and unity among participants to challenge emerging autocratic powers.
