Billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy by accusing financier George Soros of funding anti-Tesla protests worldwide. In a series of posts on X yesterday, Musk claimed that Soros and affiliated organizations have spent millions to orchestrate demonstrations targeting Tesla, particularly its Gigafactory plants in China and Germany. Musk provided no concrete evidence but insisted he had “reliable information” from internal sources.
The allegations come as Tesla faces mounting challenges. Recent protests in Shanghai and Berlin have disrupted production, with demonstrators opposing the environmental impact of Tesla’s factories and working conditions. Some activist groups have even called for a boycott of the electric vehicle brand. Musk contends these protests are not grassroots but “staged” by NGOs backed by Soros to undermine Tesla and its mission to advance sustainable energy.
George Soros, known for his philanthropy and investments, has long been a target of conspiracy theories. His Open Society Foundations, which support democracy and human rights initiatives, are often accused of meddling in global politics. However, no public evidence links Soros directly to anti-Tesla groups. A spokesperson for Open Society dismissed the claims as “baseless” and “inflammatory.”
The reaction on social media has been polarized. Some of Musk’s supporters argue he’s exposing the truth about forces working against Tesla. Others criticize him for spreading unverified claims, suggesting he’s deflecting from Tesla’s internal issues, such as controversies over vehicle quality and labor policies. Tesla’s stock dipped 2% following Musk’s comments, reflecting market unease.
Analysts warn that Musk’s accusations could escalate tensions between Tesla and environmental activists. Some experts suggest that without compelling evidence, Musk’s and Tesla’s credibility may take a hit. Meanwhile, protests continue, with activists in Europe planning further events next week.
The controversy raises broader questions about the role of billionaires in shaping public narratives. Is Musk defending Tesla’s interests or stirring drama to draw attention? Either way, the accusations are likely to fuel ongoing debate, as neither Musk nor Soros shows signs of backing down.
