Fact Check: It is illegal to boycott tesla.

Published March 11, 2025•Updated June 18, 2025

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VERDICT

False

# Fact Check: "It is illegal to boycott Tesla." ## What We Know Recently, former President Donald Trump claimed on his social media platform that att...

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Fact Check: "It is illegal to boycott Tesla."

What We Know

Recently, former President Donald Trump claimed on his social media platform that attempts to boycott Tesla are "illegal and collusive" amid rising protests against the electric vehicle manufacturer (Newsweek). This statement comes in the context of Tesla's declining stock prices and increasing public dissent against CEO Elon Musk's political affiliations. Trump's assertion has sparked significant discussion among legal experts and the public, with many pointing out that boycotting a company is a protected right under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (BuzzFeed).

Legal experts have clarified that boycotts are generally protected forms of speech and protest. The Supreme Court has upheld the legality of boycotts as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with a business or its practices (TruthOrFake Blog). Furthermore, there is no legal framework that categorically deems boycotting a private company illegal, unless it involves collusion or anti-competitive practices orchestrated by foreign entities, as outlined in the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 (BuzzFeed).

Analysis

Trump's claim that boycotting Tesla is illegal lacks legal grounding and is widely regarded as a misinterpretation of the rights afforded to consumers in the U.S. The First Amendment protects individuals' rights to protest and express their opinions, including through boycotts (TruthOrFake Blog). Legal commentators have pointed out that Trump's characterization of boycotts as illegal is not only incorrect but also reflects a misunderstanding of both legal principles and the nature of consumer rights in a democratic society (BuzzFeed).

Moreover, the context of Trump's comments—made during a time of significant stock decline for Tesla—suggests a politically motivated attempt to rally support for Musk rather than a genuine legal concern. The stock price of Tesla has seen a dramatic drop, attributed to various factors including Musk's controversial public statements and political affiliations (Newsweek). This context raises questions about the reliability of Trump's statements, as they appear to be more about political posturing than factual accuracy.

In addition, the notion of a "collusive" boycott implies a coordinated effort among consumers to harm Tesla, which is not substantiated by evidence. Boycotts typically arise from individual consumer choices rather than organized conspiracies, further undermining Trump's claims (BuzzFeed).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that it is illegal to boycott Tesla is false. Legal protections in the U.S. uphold the right to boycott as a form of free speech and protest. Trump's assertion lacks legal basis and appears to be an attempt to politically support Elon Musk amid declining public sentiment and stock performance for Tesla. Boycotting a company, including Tesla, is a lawful act and is protected under the First Amendment.

Sources

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