Tesla Owners Targeted as ‘Swasticar’ Flyers Spark Anti-Musk Backlash in San Francisco

Tesla Owners Targeted as ‘Swasticar’: Anti-Elon Musk flyers can be found taped on light poles and Tesla cars around San Francisco. This seems to fit the narrative of a nationwide boycott of the carmaker over Musk's conduct during the Trump administration.

All Teslas are conspicuous in the Bay Area but are now being singled out for scorn.

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Around San Francisco, flyers proclaiming "Sell your swasticar...Don't be carplicit" are popping up, depicting an image of Musk in salute. Bold flyers have been taped to light poles and set upon cars in the Marina district. In the city, Tesla drivers say that they see no reason to fault the people who come out protesting the automaker.

“I agree I don’t like Elon and I don’t like what he’s doing it’s horrible,” said Louise, a Tesla owner in San Francisco. “I personally am not a fan of Elon Musk, and I understand why people are boycotting Tesla,” said Jackie Burgos, also a Tesla owner in San Francisco.

This present anti-Musk movement has grown since people began voicing their frustrations about Musk taking control of the Department of Government Efficiency-the-DOGE. Cars and dealerships have been vandalized. Burgos says vandalizing cars is not the answer.

“It’s just very reckless, damaging people’s personal property that they spend a lot of money on,” Burgos said. “So I think that’s a frustrating thing and I also do worry about the safety of my car.”

Other flyers circulating say, “Tell your neighbors to sell your Tesla.”

“Unfortunately I own a Tesla,” Louise said. “I’ve had it for many years. If I could sell it, I would, but I can’t. I mean who wants to buy a Tesla right?”

Tesla owners like Louise have been buying bumper stickers (pictured below) to avoid being targeted.

“Ever since the inauguration, the salute and the constant presence of Elon in the news has kept this going crazy the whole time,” Hiller said.

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Tesla owners like Louise have been buying bumper stickers (below) to avoid being targeted. “I bought it before I knew Elon was crazy… it should say I bought it before I knew Elon was evil,” she said.

Bumper stickers, which began being sold by Matt Hiller of Mad Puffer Stickers in 2023, have sold over 50,000 around the world in two years.

“Ever since the inauguration, the salute and the constant presence of Elon in the news has kept this going crazy the whole time,” Hiller said.

On Tuesday, President Trump defended Musk and Tesla.

The San Francisco Police Department stated they will enforce the laws regarding the vandalism of property while ensuring the criminals who do so are held accountable in an appropriate manner, meaning dealing with anyone damaging or defacing public or private property in a legal manner.

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