Tesla dealership in Paramus, New Jersey, became an explosive battleground on Saturday as dueling protests over Elon Musk, former President Donald Trump, and a radical government overhaul initiative spilled onto the highway, creating a scene of high tension and political drama.
Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the dealership on Route 17, with one side rallying against Musk and his leadership of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), while passionate counterprotesters arrived early, waving massive pro-Trump banners in a show of unwavering support.
For three intense hours, the two factions faced off, exchanging chants, waving flags, and hoisting signs in a heated standoff. Drivers passing by honked in apparent support or disapproval—though with the chaotic mix of slogans, it was impossible to tell which side they backed. While tempers flared, police reported no arrests or physical altercations.
At times, the situation turned dangerous as some protesters edged onto the road, coming within inches of speeding traffic. Paramus police remained on high alert, monitoring the swelling crowd to prevent escalation.
Musk, now leading DOGE under Trump’s directive, has sparked national controversy by pushing for drastic federal budget cuts, including proposals to eliminate agencies like the U.S. Department of Education. These aggressive measures fueled Saturday’s protest, drawing out passionate voices from both ends of the political spectrum.
Kevin Meany of Hackensack stood defiantly wrapped in an American flag that read, “God hates Trump and Jesus ain’t saving him.” Trump loyalists confronted him throughout the afternoon.
“You have the right to protest, but not to disrespect the flag,” one enraged Trump supporter shouted, jabbing a finger toward Meany.
Meany, unfazed, fired back: “I’m calling out the religious right for backing a man with no morals. Why do they support Trump? Now he wants to eliminate judges so they just rubber-stamp whatever he wants.”
Meanwhile, other demonstrators sought to lighten the mood. One counterprotester arrived with a dog, drawing cheers from the crowd when a passing U.S. Mail truck stopped to give the pup a treat.
Further down the protest line, Leslie Ling from Freehold clutched a sign that read, “We ♥ Elon.” Her voice rang out: “We love you, Elon! You’ve done so much for America!”
The crowd was a mix of fervent supporters and equally determined critics. Among them was Alfred Viggiano of Union City, a proud member of the self-proclaimed “MAGA Mafia.” At 72, he is retired and collecting Social Security but remains unfazed by potential budget cuts under DOGE.
“The government is way too big. It needs to be cut down,” Viggiano declared. What really concerns him, however, is what he perceives as a brewing “race war” incited by Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“Listen, you want a race war? Come and get it,” he warned. “We have a lot of guns and beer cans. All you’ll see is beer cans and shotguns.”
Political hopefuls also seized the moment, working the crowd for support. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea and congressional candidate Billy Prempeh made appearances, mingling with demonstrators.
Edward X. Young, sporting a green MAGA hat and a vest adorned with Trump buttons—one boldly reading “Barron 2052”—was among the most vocal Trump supporters. The 65-year-old has met Trump multiple times and is a staunch believer in his leadership.
“I’d love to see Trump as king for life,” Young admitted, grinning. “I know it won’t happen because of the Constitution, but one can only hope and dream.”
Saturday’s showdown marked the second anti-Musk protest at the Paramus Tesla dealership, but the first time Trump supporters arrived in force to counter it. With Tesla’s stock struggling and national polling showing growing discontent with Musk, tensions like these may only escalate.
“I think it’s very telling that the Trump people felt the need to counterprotest,” observed Dennis Carroll, a 66-year-old retired history teacher. “I see fear in them.”
For Carroll, the battle isn’t about Trump or Musk—it’s about the Constitution itself. “The Founding Fathers set up checks and balances for a reason,” he said. “That’s what we need to protect.”
