A protester holds a sign outside the Portland Tesla dealership Monday, March 24. 

This article has been updated.

More than 200 protesters sported signs and chanted slogans outside a Portland Tesla dealership on Monday, March 24, the latest in a series of political protests against Tesla owner Elon Musk, the world’s richest person.

We asked readers where they stand on Musk’s role in government, and the backlash against his publicly-traded company Tesla.

About 48% of more than 200 reader respondents said the reports of violence and property damage stand out the most; while about 46% said it’s the concerns about Musk’s involvement in government. Only about 4% said they are concerned about the impact of political activism on Tesla’s business.

About 46% said boycotting Tesla is not an effective way to protest Musk’s involvement in government, and that there are better way to address those concerns. About 43% said it is effective because it puts financial pressure on him. About 10% said maybe, but they would like to see other strategies.

There were 66% of readers who reported being very concerned with the vandalism and violence at protest sites like Tesla in Tigard. About 17% said they are somewhat concerned, but understand the frustration. About 13% said they were not concerned, as protests often involved risk.

About 53% of readers said Musk is making necessary changes, so his role in government does not need to be closely examined. About 41% said the opposite, and that his influence raises important questions. About 5% said it depends on the policies he implements.

Here’s what more than 200 reader respondents have to say about it. Responses have been edited for clarity.

“I own a Tesla and I want to see Elon out of the government. He’s breaking our government so that Republicans can claim that they are not the ones “cutting” domestic programs. It’s just smoke and mirrors. Musk is doing this to advance his personal wealth through governmental contracts. Tesla share holders need to force Musk out! There is very little vandalism at Tesla show rooms but Fox and other right wing media amplify it to make protesters look bad.”

“Protesting Tesla isn’t going to change anything. If someone has a better solution to addressing the abuse, fraud, and overspending of our tax money by the bureaucracy in our government, then speak up on other ways to fix it. Protesting dealerships and vandalizing Teslas doesn’t solve the problem.”

“It’s appalling that we aren’t more united in calling the violent aspects of the protests like shootings and car damage out for the crime it is and investigating the funding behind these organized protests. Who/what organization is paying for the designed shirts and signs?”

“I think Tesla as a company has done way more good for the environmental causes we all care about. I really don’t understand the hatred anymore.”

“Protests are allowed under our constitution. Violence, however, is never allowed, and I am happy to see violent people destroying Teslas prosecuted. None of this, in my opinion, is fair to the dealerships, the employees or the stockholders. On a side note, I am sick of seeing Oregon and Portland being at the forefront of violence and destruction.”

“The people burning the cars are idiots! Burning cars pollutes the environment and the democrats supposedly care about the environment. Seems hypocritical to me.”

“Violence is unacceptable.”

“Please keep up with covering this important story and the direct impacts Trump/Musks actions are having on our local communities, thank you!”

“Destroying other people’s property is not protest, nor is it protected under free speech.”

“Elon Musk is a fraud and a grifter and has no place anywhere near government.”

“Vandals are criminals and should be treated accordingly.”

“The wholesale wrecking ball being thrust upon us is very, very disturbing—and I could use much stronger words. Trump and DOGE have done nothing but anger people. One of my greatest concerns are the government contracts Musk is enjoying, not to mention foreign government influence—like Russia and China.”

“You own a store that’s losing a lot of money to corruption and malfeasance. You get new management who set about fixing the problem and exposing the culprits. Despite their success, you demand their arrest and conduct attacks against them.”

“Elon owns about 10-15% of Tesla stock. The rest is owned by people’s 401Ks. Blowing up Teslas is ridiculous and deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Elon Musk was not elected and therefore should not be running DOGE.”

“These are not protesters, they are vandals.”

“Musk is doing exactly what I want him to do. That’s why we elected President Trump—to take care of government corruption.”

“He is an advisor just like any other president has had. His role is 18 months to look for answers to overspending. It’s not fair to penalize someone for doing the job they were asked to do.”

“Protestors are being threatened and harassed by dangerous right wing agitators, who 9 times out of 10 are the ones committing violence and property damage.”

“Tesla employs many people that these protests and violence hurt more than Elon Musk.”

“It’s a shame that a person finding proof that our tax dollars are being misused is being targeted. Makes one wonder why, unless it’s hitting the pocketbook of politicians who have been profiting from those misused dollars in some way. Seems like everyone should be happy that those dollars are not being wasted on unnecessary crap that the majority of people do not agree with. It’s our money too.”

“It what universe is it ok to destroy people’s private property in the name of a protest? This is absolutely wrong and violators of these crimes be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Why should people be so mad at someone who is doing our country a favor by helping to cut waste and fraud in government spending. America voted for change!”

“Musk is not an elected person. He should not have the access he has.”

“DOGE is doing a great service to our country. Billions have been wasted by the Biden administration. Needs to stop. Vandalizing protesters must be prosecuted.”

“I’m one of many Tesla owners who lost significant value in my car before Elon was anywhere near the White House. He chose to slash prices of new Teslas, which undermined existing owners’ car values. I owe $12-18k more on my 2022 Model Y than I could sell it for, thanks to Elon’s short-sighted business decisions. Now with DOGE and his scheming with this horrible president, Tesla owners are screwed. It’s literally a badge of shame to drive my Tesla and I’m getting rid of it soon (at a painful financial loss). I’m seeking ways to peacefully protest Musk and Trump. I’m furious at their efforts to overthrow our democracy and turn it into a dictatorship. We must resist!”

“The federal government is not working for the people, so the people have no choice but to put pressure wherever we can.”

“Peaceful protest and boycotting businesses are an effective way citizens can effect change. We are free (at this point in time) to purchase from businesses we choose. I choose not to make purchases from businesses that support policies and practices that I disagree with.”

“I don’t think unauthorized, unvetted people should have access to sensitive government and taxpayer data. It’s outrageous, really.”

“Why would anyone oppose reducing our bloated federal government. The fraud and abuse being uncovered is mind numbing.”

“Putting downward pressure on Tesla stock may require the Board to ask for Musk to either give up the CEOship or come back to the company and abandon his efforts to destroy our government. We need good electric cars for the sake of the planet. His cars are a danger on the road and need to be improved. Downward pressure on his stock may require the Banks to call Musk’s loans he used to buy Twitter. He has single-handedly destroyed the site and changed it to a cesspool of right wing Nazi propaganda. Taking it away from him may help restore the site somewhat.”

“A man with no security clearance is being given state secrets.”

“Protest is one thing, and when done peacefully they’re right. When done violently and destructively that’s when swift enforcement needs to take place.”

“The threats against Trump and Musk are scary and need secret service investigation! Murder solves nothing.”

“These protests are working. Tesla stock is falling.”

“Liberals have completely blown this out of proportion. We fully understand they love corruption but we voted for change.”

“Violence is disturbing and never the answer. It dilutes the message.”

“I would love to understand why they are threatening their own people. The liberals were the ones who were pushing the electric car industry, buying all makes and models. The protesters are attacking their own people. Chasing after Tesla (or any car brand) drivers, attacking dealerships, and damaging private property is a clear sign of derangement. Do they realize he only owns 13% of the company? I’m more concerned about the protesters not being upset over wasteful spending. It must be nice to be able to afford the high taxes and cost of electric car.”

“Elon is grifting America and it must be stopped.”

“Arsonists should go to prison.”

“Tesla is a positive company.”