On May 9, 2025, 98-year-old British World War II veteran Ken Turner made headlines by driving a restored Sherman tank over a Tesla Model 3 in a symbolic protest against Elon Musk’s perceived support for far-right political movements in Europe. The act, orchestrated by activist group Led By Donkeys, aimed to draw attention to concerns about Musk’s political influence and the funding of such movements through his companies.
In a video shared widely on social media, Turner, seated in the tank, declared, “I’m old enough to have seen fascism the first time around, now it’s coming back. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars. Well, I’ve got this message for Mr. Musk: We’ve crushed fascism before, and we’ll crush it again.”
The Tesla Model 3, bearing a license plate reading “FASCISM,” was crushed under the tank’s treads, leaving it severely damaged. The protest coincided with the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, adding historical significance to the demonstration.
The protest sparked a range of reactions online. Some praised Turner’s commitment, with one commenter stating, “A 98-year-old rolling up in a tank to crush fascism isn’t just poetic—it’s living, roaring proof that the fight for justice never retires.” Others criticized the act as wasteful, suggesting the car could have been donated to someone in need instead.
This event is part of a broader pattern of protests against Musk’s political activities. In 2024, Led By Donkeys collaborated with the German art-activist collective Centre for Political Beauty to project an image of Musk on the side of Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory, depicting him in a pose reminiscent of a Nazi salute alongside the phrase “Heil Tesla.”
Musk’s recent political engagements, including his advisory role within Donald Trump’s 2025 campaign and administration, have amplified scrutiny of his influence. In Germany, his rhetoric and social media activity have drawn praise from AfD leadership, while in the United Kingdom, his platforming of anti-establishment figures has been described as an endorsement of reactionary populism.
The protest by Turner and Led By Donkeys serves as a stark reminder of the enduring vigilance required to safeguard democratic values. It underscores the belief that the fight against authoritarianism is ongoing and that symbols of past victories can be repurposed to confront present challenges.
As the video continues to circulate, it prompts discussions about the responsibilities of influential figures like Musk and the impact of their political affiliations on global perceptions and actions.
