By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Elon Musk’s overall favorability rating plummeted from +24 to -19 between 2017 and 2025, with an even sharper decline among Democrats (-35 to -91). This dramatic shift correlates with Musk’s controversial leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, marked by significant federal spending cuts and agency dismantling. Consequently, Tesla’s new vehicle registrations have fallen, potentially linked to decreased support among Democratic voters, who comprise a significant portion of the electric vehicle market. The negative public perception is further reflected in recent polls showing widespread disapproval of Musk’s performance.
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Elon Musk’s approval rating is plummeting, and polls are reflecting a dramatic decline. This downward trend is particularly pronounced among Democrats, where the shift in sentiment has been described as “nutty,” a significant swing from positive to overwhelmingly negative. The reasons behind this steep drop are multifaceted, but the general consensus points to a growing perception of Musk as increasingly unlikeable and even harmful.
It seems the more visible Musk has become, the more his actions and pronouncements have alienated a significant portion of the population. This suggests that his increased public profile, rather than boosting his popularity, has actually exposed flaws and behaviors that many find objectionable. He appears to be unfazed by the negative feedback, seemingly unconcerned with the increasingly negative public perception.
The sharp decrease in approval ratings raises questions about the very nature of these ratings for someone who holds no elected office. The fact that an unelected figure like Musk even has an “approval rating” highlights a peculiar aspect of the current political climate. Many question why the public opinion of a private citizen, regardless of his wealth or influence, warrants such measurement. The lack of accountability associated with this metric fuels the discontent.
The impact of Musk’s actions extends beyond mere public opinion. There’s growing concern about the financial implications of his decisions, specifically regarding Tesla’s stock valuation. The suggestion to contact fund managers about divesting from Tesla reflects a tangible consequence of the falling approval ratings: investors are starting to question the long-term viability of a company headed by a figure whose popularity is rapidly declining. The concern isn’t merely about Tesla’s performance, but also the reputational risk associated with a company closely tied to a controversial figure.
The comparison to Donald Trump’s approval ratings is striking. The continued high approval of Trump despite controversial actions and policies mirrors a similar phenomenon with Musk. This indicates a possible pattern where certain segments of the population remain steadfast in their support, regardless of negative public perception or even demonstrably harmful actions. This polarization is troubling, suggesting a deep chasm in societal values and an increasingly challenging environment for consensus-building.
Musk’s image and behavior seem to be key factors in his plummeting approval. From his often-controversial Twitter posts and actions to his apparent disregard for criticism, Musk has seemingly cultivated a persona that actively repels a significant portion of the population. The seemingly deliberate provocation only seems to amplify the negative reactions, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of negativity. Even seemingly minor aspects, such as his inability to wear a hat without looking awkward, have become symbolic of a broader perception of incompetence.
The enduring question is why anyone would even care about Musk’s approval rating. He’s not an elected official, and there are no immediate consequences to his declining popularity in a traditional political sense. However, the answer lies in the extraordinary influence he wields through his companies and social media presence. The widespread discussion about his approval rating highlights the pervasive impact of influential figures on society, even without the formal structures of elected office. His actions and decisions have real-world consequences, making his public perception far from irrelevant. The lack of accountability that comes with his position is a central point of contention and drives the criticism. His actions, from controlling major media outlets to impacting the financial market, clearly warrant public scrutiny and discussion, even without formal accountability measures.
Ultimately, Elon Musk’s plummeting approval rating serves as a case study in the complexities of public perception and the evolving relationship between power, influence, and accountability in the digital age. The continuing drop signifies a significant shift in public opinion, and its consequences—both financial and societal—remain to be seen. The lack of a floor to this decline only further emphasizes the magnitude of the shift and highlights a need for further analysis of the causes and implications.