From Washington to Adelaide: Anti-Musk Anger Finds New Outlet in Factory Protest

The global wave of “anti-Elon Musk” anger, previously focused on his work with the Trump administration and his social media platform X, has found a new outlet in Adelaide, where protestors are fiercely fighting a proposed Tesla factory. The local council’s recent approval of the project has only intensified this sentiment, setting the stage for a prolonged battle.
The depth of this anti-Musk sentiment in Adelaide was vividly demonstrated during the public consultation process. Out of nearly 1,000 submissions to the Marion city council, an astonishing 95% expressed opposition to the Tesla showroom and battery recycling plant, with many explicitly articulating strong personal and political objections to Musk himself.
Despite this overwhelming public disapproval, the Marion city council decided to move the project forward, citing the creation of 100 jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community. Mayor Kris Hanna defended the decision, suggesting that rejecting the project locally would simply lead Tesla to set up shop elsewhere.
However, the “Trees not Teslas” movement, which effectively channels this anti-Musk sentiment alongside environmental concerns, remains resolute. They argue that the council’s decision disregarded genuine public opinion and are now mobilizing for the critical state government approval stage. The ongoing struggle highlights the increasing localization of global ideological movements.