Santa Barbara Protest Returns at Tesla Dealership to Criticize Elon Musk’s Cost-Cutting Measures

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A protest was held outside a Tesla dealership in Santa Barbara in response to Elon Musk’s alliance with the Trump administration on cost‐cutting measures.

“This affects middle‐class Americans nationwide, even those in the 95th percentile,” said protester Richard Elliott.

Since Musk was named head of the Department of Government Efficiency, many have expressed concern about rapid changes and reduced federal spending that have cost many Americans their jobs. Greg Gandrud, treasurer of the California Republican Party, said Musk has already uncovered billions of dollars in waste in the federal budget.

“Our federal budget deficit is almost $2 trillion a year, so it’s important to balance the budget by cutting waste, fraud and mismanagement. Elon Musk is doing a fantastic job,” Gandrud said.

“Defunding and de-staffing federal land management agencies is putting us at risk from wildfires, landslides and the loss of natural resources such as endangered species,” said Ben Vizzachero, a recently fired wildlife biologist.

“Every Forest Service employee plays a role in keeping us safe from wildfires and ensuring that projects—from road maintenance to ecological restoration—are completed,” Vizzachero said.

Demonstrators held signs and gathered along the sidewalk for various reasons, united in their effort to raise awareness.

“A lot of people can’t participate in protests. It doesn’t matter that we’re few in number—we’re just trying to raise awareness about what’s going on so people can contact their congressman and demand action,” Elliott said.

Organizers said protests will be held every Saturday at the Tesla dealership.