Dupage Policy Journal

Jeanne Ives, a former legislator and founder of Breakthrough Ideas, has criticized the Democratic Party for its stance on Tesla, describing it as "the greatest electric vehicle company in the world, a thriving business, and one of the largest generators of sales tax." She made these remarks in a March 15 post on X.

"DuPage Democrats are protesting the greatest electric vehicle company in the world, a thriving business, and one of the largest generators of sales tax in Lisle because Musk is exposing the government bloat for what it is - both fraud and waste," said Ives. "Their party has nothing in common with most Americans anymore. This latest stupid act should be their undoing."

Across the United States, protests have emerged concerning Elon Musk's actions and information access. According to CBS News, incidents include arson at Tesla charging stations, burned Cybertrucks, and vandalized dealerships. Protesters have reportedly used graffiti, Molotov cocktails, and stickers depicting Musk to express their discontent. Arrests have been made; notably, a 39-year-old man in Brookline, Massachusetts was charged with six counts of defacing property for placing Musk stickers on vehicles. In Colorado, a woman accused of vandalizing a Tesla dealership and setting small fires with Molotov cocktails faces charges of malicious destruction of property and remains in custody as of March 11. Additionally, there have been reports of shootings at Tesla dealerships.

Screenshot of Jeanne Ives' March 15 post on X | X

The Democrats of DuPage County announced via Facebook that a peaceful protest is scheduled for March 18 on the sidewalk in front of Tesla. The post clarified that there are no plans to enter the property or obstruct entrances or pedestrians. It emphasized that patrons or employees would not be harassed. The announcement included a "Tesla Takedown" logo featuring the automaker’s emblem alongside an image of an individual standing before a Tesla Cybertruck and provided a link to Mobilize.US. The organization anticipates participation from hundreds of people, including U.S. Representatives.

According to the Mobilize U.S. website, the event will occur on March 18 from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. CDT. Co-sponsors include Democratic Women of DuPage, Indivisible Batavia Aurora Area, Indivisible DuPage, Indivisible Illinois, Indivisible Naperville, and Indivisible West Suburban Chicago. Attendees are encouraged to bring families and homemade signs.

Ives is noted for her previous role as an Illinois State Representative where she served six years representing Illinois House District 42. She also ran for governor in 2018 and sought election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020.