Wait, can you actually get arrested for just not buying a car? Honestly, if you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might think the answer is "yes"—at least according to some headlines floating around. The buzz started when Donald Trump weighed in on the massive wave of backlash hitting Elon Musk’s car company.
The short answer is: Yes, Trump did use the word "illegal" when talking about the Tesla boycotts. But like everything in the world of high-stakes politics and billionaire drama, the "why" and the "how" are way more complicated than a single Truth Social post.
The Midnight Post That Started It All
It was just after midnight on March 11, 2025. While most of the country was asleep, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to defend Elon Musk. Tesla was having a rough week—honestly, a rough year. The stock was cratering, and people were literally protesting in front of showrooms.
Trump didn’t hold back. He claimed that "Radical Left Lunatics" were trying to "illegally and collusively boycott Tesla."
He didn't stop there. He called Tesla Elon’s "baby" and argued that the billionaire was being punished for helping the nation through his work with DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency). To show he was serious, Trump even announced he’d be buying a brand-new Tesla himself the very next morning.
Did Trump say boycotting Tesla is illegal?
Technically, he used that exact word. He called the boycott "illegal and collusive."
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But here’s where the legal reality hits a wall. In the United States, you have a pretty solid right to decide where your money goes. If you don't like a CEO’s politics and you decide to buy a Ford or a Hyundai instead of a Model 3, that’s just... capitalism.
The Supreme Court actually settled this back in 1982 with a case called NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware Co. They ruled that nonviolent boycotts to bring about political change are protected by the First Amendment. Basically, "voting with your wallet" is a core American right.
So, why did he say it was illegal?
- The "Collusion" Angle: Trump used the word "collusively." He was likely hinting at anti-trust ideas—the notion that big groups or organizations are conspiring to tank a private company's value for political reasons.
- Vandalism vs. Boycotting: This is the big one. While a lot of people were just quietly selling their Teslas or cancelling orders, others were getting violent. We're talking about Cybertrucks being spray-painted and charging stations being set on fire in places like Massachusetts.
- Domestic Terrorism Labels: During a press conference on the White House driveway—surrounded by Teslas, no less—Trump said he would label violence against Tesla dealerships as "domestic terrorism."
There's a massive difference between "I’m not buying this car" and "I’m going to set this car on fire." Trump's rhetoric often blurs the line between the two, which is why the headlines got so messy.
Why the Boycott is Happening in the First Place
Tesla used to be the darling of the eco-conscious left. Now? It’s complicated.
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Ever since Musk went "all in" on the Trump administration and started leading DOGE, the brand has become a political lightning rod. In California—Tesla's biggest market—sales have been slipping. Some owners have even started putting bumper stickers on their cars that say, "I bought this before Elon went crazy."
Musk himself admitted to Larry Kudlow on Fox Business that running his companies while advising the government is "extremely difficult."
The Legal Reality Check
If you're worried that skipping the Tesla showroom will land you in a jail cell in El Salvador (something Trump jokingly—or maybe not jokingly—mentioned regarding "saboteurs"), take a breath.
Legal experts, like those at the George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, have pointed out that there isn't even a specific federal "domestic terrorism" statute that fits a consumer boycott. And the First Amendment is a very tough thing to overturn.
However, the administration has been aggressive. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already seen federal charges brought against individuals involved in the "violent destruction" of Tesla properties.
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What This Means for You
If you are a consumer, here is the reality of the situation:
- Your right to boycott is safe. Choosing not to buy a product because of a CEO’s political affiliation remains a protected form of speech.
- Property damage is the line. The "20-year sentences" Trump mentioned are targeted at "saboteurs"—people physically harming the cars or the stores.
- The "Collusion" threat is mostly for big orgs. If you're a random person on X or Threads saying #BoycottTesla, you're fine. The administration’s focus seems to be on organized groups they believe are "conspiring" to harm the company.
The relationship between the White House and Tesla is unprecedented. We've never really seen a President use the "bully pulpit" to act as a personal salesman for a private car company while simultaneously threatening his political opponents for not liking that company.
It’s a wild time for the auto industry. Whether Trump’s "show of confidence" and a shiny new red Model S can save Tesla's stock price is anyone's guess, but for now, your right to pick your own car remains intact.
Actionable Insights for Consumers:
If you're participating in any political consumer movement, stay informed on the difference between "expression" and "action." Stick to peaceful advocacy and personal purchasing choices to remain firmly within First Amendment protections. Keep an eye on ongoing anti-trust litigation, as that is where the "illegality" of organized boycotts is actually being tested in the courts.