Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of Tesla, is facing a growing public backlash. According to recent polling data from Silver Bulletin, a project by Nate Silver, 53.5% of Americans now view Musk unfavorably, while only 39.6% have a favorable opinion. This marks a significant decline from early January, when his net favorability was nearly even.
Musk’s slide in public opinion has been steady and significant since he took on the role of head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal task force designed to slash government spending. Critics have mounted criticism over several controversies, including the firing of federal employees, concerns that Musk may eliminate vital public programs, and his involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
The data from Silver Bulletin shows three key moments marking Musk’s decline: Trump’s endorsement of Musk in mid-2024, Trump’s victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, and the start of Trump’s second term in early 2025. The correlation between these events and Musk’s growing unpopularity is difficult to ignore.
Other public opinion data from Morning Consult and Reuters/Ipsos also support Silver’s findings, showing Musk’s unfavorable rating has climbed to 54% and 57%, respectively. Polls show that Democrats view him unfavorably by 83%, while Republicans view him favorably but with less intensity than Trump.
Tesla recently reported a 13% drop in first-quarter sales, and critics argue that Musk’s political alignment is undermining his brand. Some media reports suggest that Trump has privately told advisers and Cabinet members that Musk will soon step back from his prominent role as a key adviser.
The backlash against Musk has prompted national Democrats to make him a centerpiece of their messaging, casting him as a symbol of Trump-era government overreach. As one pollster noted, Musk could be a liability for Trump until he leaves the government.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musks-favorability-sinks-new-low-polling-average-shows-2058871