In recent weeks, London’s public transport network has become a canvas for unauthorised posters targeting Elon Musk, the controversial CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). These posters, which have appeared on buses, bus stops and in Tube stations, employ provocative imagery and slogans to criticise Musk’s actions and affiliations.
Anti-Musk posters emerge in London
The campaign against Musk gained significant attention with the appearance of a poster at a bus stop in Bethnal Green, East London. The poster depicted a Tesla vehicle branded as the “Swasticar,” accompanied by the slogan: “Goes from 0 to 1939 in 3 seconds.” This imagery alluded to Musk’s controversial gesture at Donald Trump’s inauguration rally, which many interpreted as reminiscent of a Nazi salute.
Following this, additional posters surfaced across the city mocking the billionaire’s persona and political stance. One such advert, styled as a perfume promotion, featured the phrase “Elon’s Musk” with the tagline “Pour W*nkers”. Another poster at a London bus stop declared: “Elon Musk is a bellend, signed the UK.”
The organisation ‘Everyone Hates Elon‘ has claimed responsibility for these guerrilla adverts. Their campaign aims to highlight and protest against Musk’s recent political actions and affiliations, particularly his support for far-right movements in Europe and his involvement with President Donald Trump. The group has also distributed stickers reading “Don’t buy a Swasticar,” which have been spotted on Tesla vehicles throughout London.
Official response “unauthorised”
Transport for London (TfL) has acknowledged the presence of these unauthorised posters and stated that they are working to remove them from the transport network. A TfL spokesperson commented: “These adverts are not authorised by TfL or our advertising partner. We have instructed our contractor to remove any found on our network.”
The campaign has sparked discussions among the public, with some expressing support for the messages conveyed, while others debate the appropriateness of the methods used. Social media platforms have seen a surge in shares and comments regarding the posters, reflecting a wide range of opinions.
Anti-Musk ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement in the US
The anti-Musk movement in London is part of a larger wave of discontent against the billionaire. In the United States, a similar initiative known as ‘Tesla Takedown‘ has been gaining traction. This campaign involves protests outside Tesla showrooms, coordinated social media activism and calls for boycotts against the brand. Demonstrators in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have staged events criticising Musk’s business practices, his management of X, and his alignment with controversial political figures and ideology.
The growing resistance to Musk highlights broader concerns about the power and influence of billionaire tech moguls. While some view Musk as a visionary entrepreneur, others see him as emblematic of unchecked corporate influence and political interference. The emergence of campaigns like ‘Everyone Hates Elon’ and ‘Tesla Takedown’ suggests that public sentiment is shifting, with increasing scrutiny placed on business leaders who engage in political and social debates.
Impact on Tesla’s reputation and sales
The backlash against Musk has had tangible effects on Tesla’s market performance, particularly in Europe. Reports indicate that Tesla sales have almost halved in Europe at the start of 2025, following Musk’s controversial actions and affiliations. This decline suggests that the public’s perception of Musk is influencing consumer behaviour, potentially impacting the company’s profitability in the region.
Additionally, industry analysts have pointed out that the growing association between Musk’s political stance and Tesla’s brand image could deter potential customers who prefer to distance themselves from polarising figures. Some analysts believe this could lead to long-term damage for the company if Musk continues to engage in political debates rather than focusing on the innovation and performance of his products.
The role of social media in shaping public opinion
Historically, tech moguls such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were viewed as visionary figures whose companies were synonymous with innovation and progress. However, the rise of social media has made business leaders more accessible to public scrutiny, with their political affiliations, personal statements and business practices facing greater examination.
The rapid spread of the anti-Musk posters has been facilitated by social media, where images and discussions about the campaign have gone viral. Hashtags such as #Swasticar, #BoycottTesla, and #MuskMeltdown have trended on platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok. The influence of social media in mobilising public opinion has been a significant factor in the campaign’s reach, enabling it to extend far beyond London.
The criticism is also being voiced through crowdsourcing platforms, where people express their frustrations through campaigns like ‘People Versus Elon‘, a site aimed at raising money for five organisations every time Musk tweets. As the scrutiny intensifies, it raises an important question: will Musk’s political affiliations continue to overshadow his business ventures or can he weather the storm of public opposition?
The shifting tide of public opinion, amplified by social media and grassroots activism, might ultimately shape the trajectory of Musk’s empire. Whether this marks the beginning of a lasting reputational shift remains to be seen.
The provocative nature of the posters has caught the attention of high-profile individuals. Notably, celebrated author Stephen King reposted an image of the poster
Musk facing a considerable challenge?
The unauthorised anti-Musk posters appearing across London reflect a growing public sentiment against the billionaire’s recent actions and affiliations. The involvement of high-profile celebrities in sharing these posters has further amplified the discourse, highlighting the complex relationship between public figures, corporate actions and societal values.
With a parallel movement unfolding in the United States, Musk’s public perception appears to be at a critical juncture, where consumer and activist actions could shape the future of his business empire. Whether this marks the beginning of a significant reputational shift for Musk or simply a temporary wave of criticism remains to be seen. However, the response to these campaigns suggests that the public’s tolerance for billionaire influence in politics and social issues is facing a considerable challenge.
