Elon Musk’s Many Detractors Are Taking Their Anger Out on Tesla

Tae Helton, a car aficionado who lives minutes from Tesla Inc.’s flagship California factory, bought one Tesla for the family fleet and nearly purchased a second one last year.

After Elon Musk made gestures resembling a Nazi salute at an inauguration event for President Donald Trump last month, he wants nothing to do with the brand.

“The pride and the good feeling I had driving in it is gone for me,” Helton said of the Model 3 he’s driven only around 2,500 miles. The politically moderate 49-year-old plans to pay off his car loan early and trade in the sedan before ...