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Fact Check: It is illegal to boycott Tesla

Fact Check: It is illegal to boycott Tesla

Published March 11, 2025•Updated June 18, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
✗
VERDICT
False

# Fact Check: "It is illegal to boycott Tesla" ## What We Know Recently, former President Donald Trump claimed that boycotting Tesla is "illegal" in ...

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Fact Check: "It is illegal to boycott Tesla"

What We Know

Recently, former President Donald Trump claimed that boycotting Tesla is "illegal" in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He made this assertion while defending Elon Musk amidst protests and declining stock prices for the electric vehicle manufacturer. Trump described the boycotters as "Radical Left Lunatics" attempting to harm Musk and Tesla (Futurism, Newsweek).

However, legal experts and various sources have clarified that boycotting a private company, including Tesla, is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. A landmark Supreme Court decision in 1982 affirmed that nonviolent protests and boycotts against private businesses are lawful (Futurism, NBC Boston).

The protests against Tesla have been attributed to public sentiment regarding Musk's political affiliations and actions, rather than a coordinated boycott. Reports indicate that Tesla's declining sales are more likely a result of its CEO's controversial behavior and the company's image rather than an organized effort to boycott (Newsweek, BuzzFeed).

Analysis

Trump's assertion that boycotting Tesla is illegal lacks legal backing and is contradicted by established legal precedent. The claim appears to be a reaction to the negative sentiment surrounding Tesla, which has faced protests and vandalism largely due to Musk's political involvement and public statements (Futurism, NBC Boston).

The sources reporting on this claim, including Futurism and Newsweek, are reputable outlets that provide context and analysis of the situation. Additionally, legal experts have publicly laughed off Trump's comments, emphasizing that the boycotts are within legal rights (BuzzFeed, MSN).

Critically, the context of Trump's comments seems to be more about rallying support for Musk rather than addressing any legal realities. His framing of the situation as an "illegal" act reflects a political narrative rather than a factual legal interpretation (Newsweek, NBC Boston).

Conclusion

The claim that it is illegal to boycott Tesla is False. Legal protections under the First Amendment allow for nonviolent protests and boycotts against private businesses, including Tesla. Trump's comments appear to be more of a political defense of Musk rather than a statement grounded in legal fact.

Sources

  1. Trump Says It's "Illegal" to Boycott Tesla - Futurism
  2. Donald Trump Calls Tesla Boycotts Illegal - Newsweek
  3. Fact Check: Is it illegal to boycott Tesla? | TruthOrFake Blog
  4. Trump Claims Tesla Boycott Is Illegal, Lawyers React - BuzzFeed
  5. Trump Said That Boycotting Tesla Is "Illegal," And Lawyers Are ... - MSN
  6. Analysis | No, it's not illegal to boycott Tesla - NBC Boston
  7. Trump claims it is illegal to boycott Tesla: Will his support hurt Elon ... - AL.com
  8. Trump Calls Tesla Boycotts 'Illegal,' Says He'll Support Musk with Car ... - People
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