Protesters rally in San Jose against Elon Musk's influence

Dozens of protesters gathered in San Jose, California, on Friday to express their anger toward Elon Musk and his influence in government. The rally was part of a larger statewide movement that began in San Diego earlier in the week. Protesters marched to a Tesla showroom to send a clear message against Musk's actions. Lucila Ortiz, a member of Silicon Valley Rising, spoke at the event. She criticized billionaires like Musk for making decisions about education and healthcare that affect ordinary people. Ortiz emphasized that these wealthy individuals should not be involved in government decisions and vowed to fight against what they see as threats to democracy. The organizers of the San Jose rally highlighted the importance of Silicon Valley as a home for many who support Musk. Darcie Green, an advocate, pointed out that local leaders need to stand up against harmful policies from the national level. Protests against Musk have increased across the country, with rising incidents of Tesla vehicle vandalism. Despite this, the White House continues to support Musk and his brand. On the same day, Musk shared a post from former President Trump that condemned those vandalizing Teslas, calling them "sick terrorist thugs." Protesters at the march voiced their intention to continue holding rallies until they see changes in policies affecting their communities. They want to raise awareness and encourage more people to join their cause.