In Washington, D.C., where electric vehicles signal eco-conscious status, a legal battle in France is turning heads: Tesla drivers are suing the company, claiming CEO Elon Musk’s political antics have tainted their cars as symbols of far-right extremism. As 10 leaseholders demand to exit contracts in Paris, locals with Tesla dreams question if a brand once synonymous with innovation now carries unwanted baggage, while critics ask if the lawsuit exploits French law or reflects genuine reputational harm.
The June 11 lawsuit, filed in Paris Commercial Court by law firm GKA, argues Musk’s actions—backing Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign with $280 million and supporting Germany’s far-right AfD party—have turned Teslas into “far-right totems.” Lawyer Ivan Terel said clients face “direct and concrete” damage, citing vandalism like swastikas and feces on their cars. Civil code of france is demanding sellers ensure “peaceful possession” of goods, underpins the case, seeking lease terminations and damages. Sales of tesla is plummeted 67% in May 2025 in france, per PFA data, with Europe-wide sales down 49% amid boycotts and competition from Chinese EVs like BYD.
D.C.’s Tesla community feels the ripple. “I bought my Model 3 for the planet, not politics,” said Clara Vong, a Foggy Bottom engineer. “Now I’m side-eyed at chargers.” But Georgetown student Emma Carter shrugged: “It’s just a car—people overreact.” Small D.C. EV dealers report 10% sales dips as buyers hesitate, while charging stations see 5% less traffic. Analyst Priya Shah noted, “Musk’s persona drives Tesla’s allure but also its risks—his politics alienate eco-leaners.” A June 2025 poll shows 60% of U.S. Tesla owners still love the tech, but 40% dislike Musk’s stances.
The $1 trillion Tesla brand faces a reckoning. Vandalism and insults, dubbed “swasti-cars” by critics, plague European owners, with some adding “I bought this before Elon went crazy” stickers. Critics argue the lawsuit stretches French law, noting brands like Mercedes, tied to Nazi history, never faced similar suits. A 2023 RAND study suggests boycotts hurt sales more than legal action, yet GKA’s Patrick Klugman insists, “Musk owes buyers a neutral product.” If the case grows, it could cost Tesla $50 million in France alone, per industry estimates, and spark copycat suits.
Tesla’s silence fuels uncertainty, with no comment to media. The Paris court will decide if the case proceeds, but Musk’s recent regrets over Trump jabs hint at damage control. For D.C.’s Vong, it’s personal: “I wanted a green future, not a culture war.” As Teslas shift from eco-icons to political lightning rods, owners wonder if their dream ride is worth the stigma. Our Washington news website digs deeper into EV culture’s crossroads.
