A group of Tesla customers in France has filed a lawsuit against the electric carmaker, claiming Elon Musk’s political behaviour has damaged the brand’s image. The legal action follows Musk’s support for Donald Trump and Europe’s far-right parties, including Germany’s AfD.
The law firm GKA, representing around ten Tesla leaseholders, stated the vehicles have become “extreme-right totems”. These drivers say they only wanted a modern, eco-friendly car and never expected it to become a political symbol.
Because of Musk’s growing political presence and controversial actions, the plaintiffs say they feel embarrassed driving their cars in public. The case, filed at the Paris Commercial Court, seeks to end their contracts and recover legal costs.
Some owners even placed stickers on their Teslas reading, “I bought this before Elon went crazy”. Others fear vandalism as the cars are now often targeted across Europe and the US.
Musk has denied claims that he performed a Nazi salute at a public event, calling the criticism “tired and false”. However, his actions continue to cause public backlash and declining Tesla sales.
The billionaire once had a strong alliance with Trump, supporting his 2024 campaign and backing cost-cutting policies under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But they clashed over Trump’s spending bill, which Musk said would deepen America’s debt.
The legal case adds further pressure to a company once known for innovation and green technology.
