Musk's favorability hits new low, with steady slide recorded: Poll
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Polls indicate Musk's public image has deteriorated as he grew more politically involved, particularly after taking over DOGE.
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US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch a mixed martial arts fight at UFC 314 with Musks's son X AE A-Xii on April 12, 2025. (AP)
Elon Musk, once seen as a daring inventor and cultural star, is now confronting massive public disdain.
Recent statistics from the monthly Silver Bulletin, a polling research initiative led by 538 creator Nate Silver, have found that 53.5% of Americans now have a negative impression of Musk, the world's richest man. In contrast, 39.6% have a positive one, which represents a significant drop from early January when his net favorability was virtually equal.
The decline in favorability has been consistent and severe, particularly after his nomination by President Donald Trump as director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal task force tasked with reducing government expenditure, according to the White House.
Since DOGE's inception, Musk has received rising criticism over several problems, including the termination of government employees, allegations that DOGE staff accessed confidential payment information of Americans, and fears that Musk may dismantle critical public services. His intervention in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race likewise seems to have backfired.
Silver Bulletin collects national polling data and updates its average many times per week. Its methodology, established by Silver during his tenure at 538, accounts for polling house influences and sample types, making it one of the most reliable sources of US political statistics.
"Musk's numbers have been on a downward trend—especially since Trump took office," the Silver Bulletin team revealed.
In January, Musk's net favorability was -0.2 percent. His public image has deteriorated as he grew more politically involved, particularly after taking over DOGE.
On Silver's chart, three important events mark Musk's fall from grace: his backing of Trump in mid-2024, Trump's win in the 2024 election, and the beginning of his term in 2025.
Other public opinion data confirm Silver's conclusions. A Morning Consult poll conducted between March 28 and March 30 indicated Musk's negative rating had risen to 54 percent, up from 45 percent following the 2024 election.
Musk's unfavorability has increased significantly among various groups: Democrats' unfavorability rose from 71% to 83%, and Independents' from 48% to 59%. Even among Republicans, while 73% viewed him favorably, only 47% had a strong favorable opinion, showing less intensity than for Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll also found that 57% viewed Musk unfavorably, with 39% holding a favorable view. Pollster Charles Franklin suggested that Musk's overall impact was negative, as he provided Democrats with a target for campaign messaging.
The Harvard/Harris Poll indicated late last month that Musk's net favorability had dropped by ten points in only one month, from an equal 44-44 split in February to 49 percent unfavorable and 39 percent positive.
CNN analyst Harry Enten said he has rarely ever seen a shift so "dramatic", citing how "Musk's net favorability dropped from +24 to -19 between 2017 and 2025."
Despite Trump referring to Musk as a "GREAT PATRIOT" on Truth Social, his affiliation with the administration looks to be damaging rather than benefiting the Tesla CEO. Tesla just announced a 13% reduction in first-quarter sales, and opponents claim Musk's political stance is harming his brand.
According to media sources, Trump has quietly informed advisors and Cabinet officials that Musk will shortly leave his prominent role as a major advisor.
A study performed by Democratic firm Blueprint and published in The Washington Post indicated that 30% of respondents said Musk's multimillion-dollar intervention in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race made them less inclined to back Trump-endorsed candidate Brad Schimel, while only 5% said it made them more likely. Musk extensively financed and endorsed Schimel's campaign, which she lost to leftist challenger Susan Crawford.
Carter Wrenn, a prominent Republican strategist, told Newsweek, "Polls are showing Musk's popularity is upside down. That could definitely be a problem—especially with swing voters, independents, and ticket-splitters. Musk, personally, carries some negative baggage that could hurt."
Trump's DOGE project began with an executive order on his first day back in office and is due to expire in July 2026. Following Musk's departure, Cabinet secretaries are expected to continue the department's operations.
