Tensions between Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Attorney General Pam Bondi escalated Sunday as Bondi warned the Texas lawmaker to “tread carefully” over her public involvement with the Tesla Takedown protest campaign. Bondi accused Crockett of making threatening remarks about Elon Musk during a virtual appearance supporting the movement.
The conflict began after Crockett spoke at a Tesla Takedown rally, where she said that her birthday wish for March 29 was to see Musk “taken down.” Bondi responded during an interview on Fox News, alleging that Crockett was inciting action against Musk personally, rather than simply targeting the company.
NEW: AG Pam Bondi says Rep. Jasmine Crockett could be CENSURED by Congress after calling for Elon Musk to be “taken down” and for Ted Cruz to be “knocked in the head.”
Bondi warned that Crockett’s words were so reckless and inflammatory, they could warrant an official reprimand… pic.twitter.com/x52Y5fgIj6
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) March 25, 2025
Crockett rejected that claim during an interview on MSNBC, explaining that the protests are entirely nonviolent and that she had specifically instructed participants to obey all applicable laws. She emphasized that her comments referred to economic protest and that any suggestion otherwise was misleading.
'TREAD VERY CAREFULLY': @AGPamBondi warned @RepJasmine (D-TX) after the Democrat threatened @elonmusk during a nationwide call with the Tesla Takedown movement, suggesting Musk should be "taken down." https://t.co/Qp9jxtgium pic.twitter.com/SycJ9bmWfu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 24, 2025
The Tesla Takedown movement began in response to Musk’s close ties to the Trump administration and his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency. Critics of Musk argue he is using his business empire to reshape government operations and suppress dissent.
Over 500 protests are expected to take place on March 29, targeting Tesla stores and facilities across the country. The protest group’s website states that they oppose violence and call on participants to conduct themselves lawfully.
Despite the group’s stated intentions, the protests come at a time when Tesla dealerships have experienced arson attacks, which the Trump administration has classified as domestic terrorism. Officials have linked those crimes to a broader anti-Tesla sentiment but have not tied them to the protest movement itself.
Crockett pushed back at Bondi by drawing comparisons to the Jan. 6 protests, accusing Trump officials of defending violent acts while criticizing her for peaceful dissent. Bondi, in her warning, insisted that Musk would remain protected and accused Crockett of crossing a line with her rhetoric.
The Justice Department and Crockett’s office were contacted by Newsweek but did not provide additional comment as of Sunday night.
