Mark Kelly ditches his Tesla over Elon Musk’s firing of veterans, trolls mock him as 'Captain America'

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz) took to social media on Friday, March 14, to announce that he would get rid of his Tesla car in protest of company CEO Elon Musk, reported Huff Post.

Kelly's criticism of Musk is based on the latter's performance as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is charged with regulating wasteful government spending.

Since the Trump administration came into power in January, Musk and DOGE have overseen the dismissal of thousands of federal employees in charge of critical roles. That, in combination with President Donald Trump's tariff war with nations such as Canada and China, has made its impact on the stock market as well.

Tesla stocks have plummeted in recent days as added tariffs could make it more difficult for the company to get the parts required for manufacture.

Mark Kelly's decision to move on from Tesla

Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut and US Navy Captain, uploaded a video message on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, to call him out and explain his decision to get a new car.

"I bought a Tesla because it was fast like a rocket ship. But now, every time I drive it I feel like a rolling billboard for a man dismantling our government and hurting people. So Tesla, you’re fired!" he expressed in the caption. "New ride coming soon."

In the accompanying video, Kelly is seen standing in front of his Tesla, saying that it is the last time he will drive to work in the car.

"When I bought this thing, I didn’t think it was going to become a political issue,” he continued. "Every time I get in this car in the last 60 days or so, it reminds me of just how much damage Elon Musk and Donald Trump are doing to our country.”

"Talking about slashing Social Security, cutting health care benefits for poor people, for seniors. It’s one bad thing after the next. He’s firing veterans. I’m a veteran.”

“Elon Musk kind of turned out to be an a*****e, and I don’t want to be driving a car built and designed by an a*****e. So, looking forward to my new ride,” he added.

MAGA trolls Mark Kelly for his message to Elon Musk

Conservatives on the social media platform X mocked Mark Kelly for his video message about moving on from his Tesla vehicle to protest Musk's work in DOGE. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"He already has your money, Sir. Not sure what you’re trying to accomplish here," wrote a person.

"You are soooo brave! Look at you go! Captain America right here everyone," mocked another.

"No one cares. Boo hoo," jibed a third.

"Selling a car you already bought. You're really showing him. Going back to fuel and destroying the climate? lol," chided a fourth.

"Elon Musk broke this snowflake bad," slammed a fifth.

Another shared a Trump meme with the message, "Hey little buddy, have you considered crying about it?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.