Seven percent of respondents said they own a Tesla, and around 63 percent of them say Musk’s politics have impacted their view of Tesla.
People participate in a “TeslaTakedown” protest against Elon Musk outside of a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, on February 15, 2025. (Photo by JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images)
While Tesla has taken the electric vehicle movement by storm, CEO Elon Musk has stepped into an unprecedented role in the White House, prompting some Boston.com readers to reconsider their support for the company.
After a Worcester doctor said he’s facing difficulties in the community stemming from his Tesla Cybertruck, we asked Boston.com readers whether Musk’s politics and goals, including dismantling federal agencies as head of the nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency, have impacted their view of Tesla. With more than 1,000 responses, 74 percent of Boston.com readers said yes, they have changed their opinion of the company.
Only 7 percent of those respondents, however, own a Tesla. 87 percent don’t own a Tesla, but 6 percent said they’re considering buying one. Of the Tesla owners represented, around 63 percent say Musk’s politics have impacted their view of the company.
“Would have not bought the Tesla if I knew I would be subsidizing Musk’s takeover and destruction of the US government,” Mariko from Newton wrote.
During President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Musk made two straight-arm gestures that many interpreted as a Nazi salute. Multiple responses to our poll called Musk a “Nazi” or a “Nazi sympathizer,” saying the salute has negatively impacted their impression of Tesla.
“An owner or CEO’s political views, comments, and actions impact their brand no matter how anyone tries to explain it away,” Andrew from Chatham, who doesn’t own a Tesla, wrote. “Musk is a fascist, racist, horrible person who has clearly bought his way into the government, and it sickens me.”
A Worcester man who drives a gold Tesla Cybertruck told Boston.com last week that he and his family found a sticker on the back of the vehicle that said “Nazis f– off” in capital letters. Kumait Jaroje said, since the election, he’s been dealing with more harassment due to the Cybertruck, and his wife now refuses to drive the vehicle.
“After Elon Musk backed President Donald Trump publicly, people became more aggressive,” Jaroje told Boston.com. “Instead of just thumbs down, or laughing, or middle fingers, you can see people screaming in their cars when I drive by. Sometimes at rotaries, people trying to cut me off, like beeping at me.”
North of Worcester, near the New Hampshire border, Tyngsborough police recently responded to a report of hate speech written near Tesla charging stations. Police found two swastikas and “several phrases, including ‘normalize hate’” on the asphalt near the stations on Feb. 11, the department said.
With 1,018 responses, 754 readers, or 74 percent, said Musk’s role in the Trump administration has impacted how they view Tesla, while 264 readers, or 26 percent, said their opinion of Tesla is unchanged.
Below are some of the responses from readers:
Musk’s actions have impacted my view of Tesla
“Same as Hitler’s Volkswagens. Many still refuse to buy cars produced by that fascist so same goes for Musk.” Cynthia from Newburyport
“Purchases have ramifications, good or bad. Personally I would not buy one due to build quality.” Matt from Taunton
“It’s not hard to figure out what Elon’s salute meant. I am not buying a Tesla. If at some future date Elon no longer has a stake in Tesla, I am still not buying one. I will be buying an electric vehicle with my next automobile purchase.” Fred from Franklin
“Musk is enabling hate and bigotry. He is a backstabber since he benefited from Democrats supporting electric cars, became a billionaire and now makes the life of less fortunate millions much worse.” Tuba from Peabody, who owns a Tesla
“I would never give Elon Musk money. Yes, the cars are fast and have technology, but they ride and are built to be throw-away technology. I’m not sure what the hype is about them. They all look identical and have zero personality. I agree we need to go electric but I would consider anything else over Tesla. I would never buy one.” Dan from Reading
My view of Tesla is unchanged
“What do politics have to do with car ownership?” Mike from Worcester, who owns a Tesla
“Best car on the planet made by the smartest man in the world. What’s not to like?” Dan from Natick, who owns a Tesla.
“It’s nothing more than a car.” Anonymous from Cape Ann
“Musk is looking for efficiency.” Marc from Billerica
“Musk is a genius and what he’s doing is for the betterment of US at large and all her citizens.” Phyllis from Cambridge
I am considering buying a Tesla
“Before the blatant corruption that Musk is involved in, I was considering a Tesla, now I’d rather walk.” Quincy from Quincy.
“I like having Elon working with the president making America Great Again! Things like this help me know I am on the correct winning side of history.” Mikey from Boston
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.