Musk is seemingly the functional leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency and has become a focal point of criticism as DOGE cuts federal staff and contracts.

Around 100 people protested in front of rows of Tesla vehicles, which was used merely as a backdrop, organizers said.

Musk has attacked leaders of California, a state that played a pivotal role in the carmaker surviving its tumultuous early years and becoming one of the world’s most valuable companies..