Elon Musk’s new 24-hour Tesla Diner in Hollywood has become the latest target for liberal protesters, who accuse the billionaire of promoting conservative policies and harming government programs. While customers stood in line for hours to sample Tesla-branded burgers and milkshakes, dozens of demonstrators descended on the retro-themed restaurant to denounce Musk and his growing cultural influence.
The diner, which includes electric vehicle charging stations and serves meals in Cybertruck-inspired packaging, opened last week to long lines and heavy media buzz. Yet the opening drew more than just Tesla fans. Roughly 75 protesters, calling themselves part of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, organized a demonstration outside the Hollywood location on Saturday. Their slogans included claims that “Tesla funds fascism” and that Musk’s leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) resulted in government job losses and alleged global harm.
Joel Lava, a protest organizer, told reporters that Musk’s opposition to leftist policies—such as the transgender agenda—has made him a “dangerous” figure. Lava asserted that public enthusiasm for the diner would soon fade, adding that most in the community oppose Musk’s conservative views.
Tesla, meanwhile, continues to face business challenges. The company reported a 16 percent year-over-year drop in automotive revenue for the second quarter of 2025. Tesla’s earnings fell to $16.7 billion, down from $19.9 billion the same quarter last year. Analysts cite growing competition in the electric vehicle sector and shifting consumer trends as major factors.
Despite Musk’s promotional efforts around the diner and ambitious plans for Optimus humanoid robots, investor confidence remains shaky. The company missed sales expectations for the second consecutive quarter, raising concerns about its long-term stability in a rapidly evolving EV market.
