What began as a coordinated protest dubbed the “Tesla Takedown” in Meridian, Idaho quickly drew a larger, impassioned counter-protest — turning a quiet car lot into a cultural battleground between opposing visions of America’s future.
Drawn by a wave of national activism surrounding billionaire Elon Musk’s growing political influence and role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), more than 200 people gathered outside the Meridian Tesla dealership on Saturday, March 29.
Organized by activist groups including the TroubleMakers and The Disruption Project, the demonstration was part of a nationwide effort to protest Musk’s expanding political involvement, which critics say threatens democratic values and transparency.
According to the Associated Press, similar actions took place across the country and even into parts of Europe.
In Idaho, a state known for its large conservative population, the counter-protest response was swift and strong. Local conservative group Idaho Liberty Dogs mobilized quickly, with an estimated 200 supporters showing up, far outnumbering the original 30 or so protesters.
The original protest, led by Boise resident Jacob Whittaker, aimed to draw attention to Musk’s political positioning and recent firings tied to DOGE.
“I’m here to support my brothers and sisters who lost their jobs to this madness,” Whittaker said while marching down West Franklin Road. “My entire goal in setting this up was just to make my voice heard. That’s it. I’m out here doing that.”
Whittaker, visibly emotional, said his goal was simply to be heard.
“It’s not so easy to walk into the fire, but everyone here is being brave as hell, and I’m proud of them,” he said.
Supporters of Musk, however, saw the protest as a misguided attack on a political figure they view as a reformer. Many praised his efforts to streamline government spending and root out what they called “woke” inefficiencies within federal departments.
“I think what Elon’s doing is great,” said Heidi Manini, a Meridian resident who stood proudly among the counter-protesters waving flags and holding signs. “He’s getting rid of fraud and money that’s being wasted, and I don’t see why anybody would have a problem with that unless they’re up to no good.”
Her words echoed among Musk supporters that the protest was less about policy and more about partisan resentment.
Amy Wetzel, another counter-protester, said she found it offensive out-of-state groups would come to Idaho to protest a business and figure she supports.
“It makes me feel good to support a good cause,” she said. “We’re here to support people, support the business. That’s how it makes me feel: fair.”
It wasn’t just individuals who responded to the initial protest. Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of Old State Saloon in Eagle, helped mobilize dozens of people to attend the counter-demonstration. His motivation? A belief that Idaho stands at the frontlines of a larger ideological struggle.
“We love what’s happening with DOGE,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s going in and cleaning out the corruption in the government, making our government more efficient. So when you see that coming in here, we want to show up.”
Fitzpatrick, like many in attendance, expressed concern that liberal activism from outside the state was trying to impose its values on Idaho.
“That doesn’t work in Idaho,” he said. “You’re gonna get a bunch of patriots who will show up and outnumber you.”
The original protest organizers had emphasized nonviolence and discouraged confrontation. Local organization Idaho 50501 publicly asked residents not to attend the protest at all, hoping to prevent any potential escalation.
Their call, however, did not stop hundreds from participating in what became one of the more high-profile public demonstrations in the Treasure Valley in recent memory.
At the core of the conflict is a widening cultural rift. Protesters criticized Musk’s entanglement in political affairs, alleging he was “destroying democracy” with unchecked power.
Counter-protesters saw him as a symbol of free speech and business success, targeted unfairly by progressive voices.
The clash highlights deeper questions about political polarization, public protest and the role of private citizens in federal matters. For some, like Whittaker, the issue is personal. For others, like Fitzpatrick and Manini, it’s philosophical, a broader defense of American values they feel are under threat.
By 2 p.m., the crowd began to thin with no major incidents reported. Yet the energy left behind signaled this was more than just a one-day demonstration; it was a sign of the political and cultural tremors shaping the region.
As national debates continue over Musk’s influence and the future of federal oversight, the streets of Meridian, Idaho, now stand as a microcosm of the country’s growing divide, one where voices on both sides remain determined to be heard.
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Go Musk and Trump supporters!
As long as no one bought a car….