Elon Musk and his right-wing allies are using recent Tesla protests to amplify anti-trans rhetoric, drawing backlash from LGBTQ advocates. Protests have erupted at Tesla dealerships across the U.S., and around the world, in response to Musk’s controversial actions. While most protests were peaceful, isolated incidents of vandalism occurred in Las Vegas and Kansas City, with Tesla vehicles reportedly set on fire.
The FBI confirmed it’s working with local authorities to investigate the incidents. Instead of addressing valid concerns, Musk posted unverified claims from a right-wing source, accusing trans and nonbinary people of being disproportionately involved in the Tesla vandalism. Quoting a user named Insurrectionist Barbie, he claimed, “3 out of 4 arrested for vandalizing Teslas are transgender or nonbinary,” and suggested hormones cause “extreme emotional volatility.”
The baseless assertion drew sharp criticism. GLAAD condemned Musk’s misinformation, highlighting the harm caused by anti-trans fearmongering.
