Tesla protests grow as Trump says vandals should get 20-year terms in El Salvador

President Donald Trump criticized the vandalism against Tesla stores and vehicles that has plagued the United States in recent weeks, suggesting in a Truth Social post that the vandals should serve 20 years in prison in El Salvador, while his administration’s Justice Department and the FBI say they are investigating these protests against DOGE CEO and chief Elon Musk.

“I want to see those sick terrorist thugs get 20 years in prison for what they’re doing to Elon Musk and Tesla,” Trump said. He added, “Maybe they could serve them in the prisons in El Salvador, which have become so famous lately for their lovely conditions!”

Last weekend the GOP sent more than 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua and M-13 gangs to El Salvador to be imprisoned. The move caused a stir because a federal judge had temporarily suspended the expulsion of migrants under an 18th century law of war. The government claims to have complied with the order as of the time the magistrate put it in writing.

Trump’s statements are yet another sign of his support for Musk, the visible face of the government efficiency commission (DOGE) that is carrying out a drastic cut in federal spending with massive layoffs.