President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric in a striking and ominous fashion, issuing a stern warning to individuals accused of vandalizing and firebombing Tesla vehicles and charging stations across the United States. In a statement that has sent ripples of concern through both his supporters and critics, Trump threatened to dispatch those responsible to what he described as the “hellish” mega-prison in El Salvador—a facility already notorious for its harsh conditions and its recent role in housing alleged Venezuelan gang members deported by U.S. authorities. “I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20-year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla,” the President declared with palpable intensity. “Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions!” The sarcasm in his tone was unmistakable, underscoring his apparent relish at the prospect of severe punishment.
This warning, delivered on March 21, 2025, comes amid a wave of attacks targeting Tesla properties, a development that has coincided with growing public backlash against Elon Musk, the company’s billionaire CEO and a close ally of Trump. The President doubled down on his stance via his Truth Social platform, adding, “People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!” The all-caps flourish emphasized the administration’s determination to crack down not only on the perpetrators but also on anyone suspected of financing these acts, signaling a broad and aggressive response.
The backdrop to Trump’s remarks is a series of alarming incidents that have unfolded in recent weeks. From Seattle to Las Vegas, Tesla dealerships and charging stations have been hit with Molotov cocktails, gunfire, and spray-painted messages of defiance. In one notable case, a suspect in South Carolina was apprehended after setting fire to charging stations while wearing a shirt emblazoned with an expletive directed at Trump and a call to support Ukraine. Another incident in Oregon saw a man arrested for hurling incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership, while in Canada, more than 80 vehicles at a Tesla showroom were reported vandalized with scratches and punctured tires—the largest such attack on the automaker’s property in that country. These acts have been widely interpreted as protests against Musk’s influential yet polarizing role in Trump’s administration, particularly his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, a controversial initiative aimed at slashing federal spending.
Trump’s invocation of El Salvador’s mega-prison, formally known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, adds a chilling dimension to his threat. Located in Tecoluca, about 45 miles east of the Salvadoran capital, this sprawling facility was built under President Nayib Bukele as part of his aggressive anti-crime campaign. Designed to hold up to 40,000 inmates, it has drawn international criticism for its austere conditions—prisoners are denied visitation, outdoor access, and rehabilitation programs, living in tightly packed cells with little regard for comfort or reform. The U.S. recently utilized this prison to incarcerate hundreds of deported immigrants, a move that has already sparked legal and ethical debates. Trump’s suggestion that American citizens could face a similar fate raises profound questions about the administration’s approach to justice and its willingness to push legal boundaries.
The President’s comments follow closely on the heels of action from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who this week announced charges against three individuals linked to Tesla vandalism in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina. Labeling these acts as “domestic terrorism,” Bondi vowed that the Justice Department would pursue the “full force of the law,” with potential sentences ranging from five to 20 years. Her rhetoric mirrors Trump’s, reflecting a unified front within the administration to frame these incidents as a national security threat rather than mere property crimes. This stance has ignited a firestorm of debate, with civil rights advocates warning that such measures could erode due process and disproportionately target political dissenters.
For Trump, this is also a personal matter. His public support for Tesla—and by extension, Musk—has been unwavering. Earlier this month, he turned the White House into an impromptu showroom, showcasing Tesla vehicles and announcing his own purchase of a Cybertruck for his granddaughter. This unprecedented endorsement from a sitting president underscores the deep ties between Trump and Musk, whose financial backing played a significant role in Trump’s recent electoral success. Yet, as Tesla’s stock plummets and public anger mounts over Musk’s government-slashing agenda, the vandalism has become a lightning rod for broader discontent.
The implications of Trump’s threat are far-reaching. Legal experts have pointed out that deporting U.S. citizens to serve sentences abroad lacks modern precedent and could violate constitutional protections. Nevertheless, the President’s words resonate with his base, who see them as a bold stand against lawlessness and a defense of American innovation. For others, they represent a dangerous overreach, a step toward authoritarian measures cloaked as retribution. As the administration ramps up its pursuit of the vandals and their alleged backers, the nation watches closely, grappling with the tension between security and liberty in an increasingly polarized landscape.