Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur known for leading companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has seen his popularity decline in recent months. Despite being a business titan, his influence in Washington has led to a fall in his approval ratings. A recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research revealed that just 33% of U.S. adults view Musk favorably. This is a sharp decline from 41% in December. The shift reflects growing concerns over his role in government.
Musk’s Declining Popularity
Elon Musk gained a reputation as a business visionary and the world’s richest person. However, his increasing involvement in U.S. government affairs has led to a drop in his public approval. The recent poll shows that two-thirds of U.S. adults believe Musk has held too much influence over the federal government. This comes as Musk is expected to step back from his government role in the coming weeks.
A Shift in Public Opinion
The poll’s findings indicate a notable shift in public opinion about Musk. While many admire his business success, fewer Americans are pleased with his government involvement. Among the respondents, Musk’s popularity is notably lower among Democrats and independents. Only 2 in 10 independents and about 1 in 10 Democrats have a favorable view of him. In contrast, 7 in 10 Republicans still approve of Musk’s actions.
Musk’s Role in Government
Musk’s work with the federal government has largely focused on downsizing and overhauling federal agencies. His most significant project, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed to reduce the size of the federal workforce and improve efficiency. However, this initiative has led to the firing of thousands of federal employees and the cancellation of numerous contracts, leaving some agencies in disarray.
Musk had originally set a goal of cutting $1 trillion in government spending but later lowered the target to $150 billion. Despite the reduced target, there have been doubts about whether this goal can be achieved. Critics argue that DOGE has overstated its progress, further affecting Musk’s public image.
Public Reactions to Musk’s Government Efforts
While some Americans agree with Musk’s push to reduce government size, others feel he has gone too far. Susan Wolf, a 75-year-old retiree from Pennsylvania, criticized Musk’s approach, stating that his private-sector experience does not translate to government work. “He thinks you run a government like you run a business. And you don’t do that,” Wolf said. She emphasized that government should focus on serving the people, not corporate interests.
Meanwhile, some Republicans support Musk’s efforts, believing his business approach is just what the government needs. Mark Collins, a warehouse manager from Michigan, expressed his approval, saying, “He’s cleaning up all the trash. I love what he’s doing.” For many conservatives, Musk’s efficiency-oriented leadership resonates with their beliefs in reducing government waste.
Musk’s Changing Political Views
Musk’s growing political conservatism has also contributed to his declining popularity. While he once supported Democratic candidates and environmental causes, Musk now criticizes issues like the “woke mind virus” and rising government spending. His shift to the right is reflected in the poll, with many Democrats and independents seeing his influence as harmful to the country’s progress.
Impact of Government Cuts
Recent cuts to federal services, including grants and agency staffing, have led to growing concerns, especially among Democrats. About 67% of Democrats and 44% of independents worry about the effects of these cuts. In contrast, only 11% of Republicans share these concerns. Despite these fears, Musk’s supporters argue that such cuts are necessary to improve government efficiency and reduce spending.
Looking Ahead: Musk’s Future Plans
As Musk prepares to step away from his role in Washington, he plans to focus more on his primary business ventures. Tesla, his electric car company, has faced challenges with falling revenue, and Musk intends to spend more time on these issues. He has said that now that DOGE is up and running, he will only dedicate a few days a week to government matters.
Despite the controversies surrounding his political involvement, Musk’s role in shaping government policy remains significant. However, it’s unclear how his popularity will evolve as he shifts back to the private sector and faces ongoing criticism for his government actions.
