Niamh Shackleton
Trump has made a bold threat to anyone who attacks Elon Musk or Tesla dealerships.
There's been an increase of incidents at Tesla showrooms of late in the wake of Musk's associations with the White House.
But it's not just Tesla showrooms that are being attacked; people's privately owned vehicles, Tesla charging stations, and vehicle lots are being targeted too.
The reason for the spike comes after Musk was named as one of the leaders of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been drastically slashing government spending since its creation.
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According to its website, as of March 19, they've made around $155 billion in savings, and it's clear that Musk's cut-throat approach to saving money hasn't gone down well with some Americans, who are now seemingly taking out their anger on anything Tesla-related.
Apparently some of the worst affected areas include left-leaning cities in the Pacific Northwest like Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, says AP.
Elsewhere, several Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas were set on fire on Tuesday (March 18) outside one of the car manufacturer's service centers.
Reportedly vandals also painted 'resist' across the building's front doors.
In the wake of the increased violence, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said that three vandals who have been arrested regarding 'domestic terrorism' and Tesla attacks may face up to 20 years behind bars, BBC News reported.
"The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended," Bondi said in a statement. "Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars."
Now Donald Trump has made similar threats and took to TruthSocial today (March 21).
The POTUS penned: "I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20 year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla. Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions!"
One of the prisons in El Salvador has been dubbed as 'the world's worst', and Trump recently shipped 250 alleged criminals there.
The facility in question can reportedly hold as many as 40,000 inmates.
Trump's sentiments come after he announced that violence against Tesla dealerships would be seen as domestic terrorism.
Earlier this month, he threatened that those behind the violence will 'go through hell' and described Tesla as 'a great American company'.
In support of Musk and his car company, the president recently purchased one of the electric vehicles for himself.