Elon Musk’s Cybertruck faces growing backlash from Trump haters

To some, he’s an environmental visionary revolutionizing transportation through Tesla, SpaceX and other ventures aimed at a “sustainable” future. 

To others he’s a right-wing demagogue, an unpredictable billionaire whose increasingly partisan rhetoric and partnership with US president Donald Trump has turned Tesla’s corporate image into a political battleground.

At the heart of it all is Elon Musk’s most radical vehicle, the Cybertruck, which finds itself at the center of growing hostility and a growing divide over his political and economic aspirations. 

The electric pickup’s futuristic design, armoured body, and massive presence already make it stand out. But for some owners, the controversy surrounding Musk has turned the Cybertruck into a rolling target for political and cultural animosity — and even violence.

Kumait Jaroje, a Cybertruck owner from Worcester, Massachusetts, complained people have yelled at them, made obscene gestures and even placed Nazi stickers on the vehicle, which he finds deeply offensive.

“My wife and kids don’t deserve this,” Jaroje wrote in a Tesla Cybertruck enthusiast group on Facebook. “Disagreeing with Elon Musk or Donald Trump is one thing, but harassing a family over a vehicle is completely unacceptable.”

The animosity isn’t limited to individual owners. Tesla itself has been the target of political backlash.

In January, a Tesla dealership in Colorado was attacked three times in ten days, culminating in an attempted arson. It got so bad the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined the investigation.

The acts of vandalism echo broader criticisms that have been aimed at Musk, particularly from those who see his vocal support of Donald Trump as a betrayal of Tesla’s original mission.

That’s because Tesla was once the ultimate symbol of progressive, environmentally conscious innovation. Early adopters were largely liberals who saw EVs as a way to combat climate change. 

But as Musk embraced right-wing politics — endorsing Trump, promoting conspiracy theories, and railing against the “woke mind virus” — Tesla’s customer base has shifted toward conservatives who were historically skeptical of EVs.

Still, Tesla’s overall market share is slipping. In California, where EV adoption is highest, Tesla sales have declined for three consecutive quarters.

Adding to the controversy, the Cybertruck itself has faced growing criticism calling it a 7,000 pound clunker and lemon.

Owners have reported major design flaws such as headlights that become obstructed by snow, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive in winter conditions. Others have complained about lacklustre range, disappointing performance specs and high price tag.

Others have reported that the truck’s cameras malfunction in harsh weather and that its unconventional design makes basic repairs a nightmare. 

One commenter joked: “I truly believe that Elon built these things to prove that people will buy anything he sells, no matter how horrible it is.”

The backlash against Tesla is a striking example of how polarized the company has become. For some, owning a Tesla is no longer just about driving an innovative car, it’s a political statement, whether they want it to be or not.

Despite these issues, Cybertruck owners remain fiercely loyal, seeing the vehicle as a statement of their commitment to Musk’s vision regardless of the criticism.

Nonetheless, Elon Musk has tied Tesla’s brand to his own persona — for better or worse, said Tim Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern University. “It’s very hard to separate the two,” he said.