Elon Musk’s Popularity Plummets
Waning Support
According to the latest polling average from Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin, Elon Musk’s popularity with the American public is waning. The billionaire CEO of multiple companies has seen a significant decline in his favorability ratings, with 53.5 percent of Americans having an unfavorable view of him, compared to only 39.6 percent who see him favorably.
Decline in Popularity
Silver’s average shows that Musk’s unpopularity has been trending upwards since the beginning of 2024, when only 38 percent of people disliked him. This decline in popularity is attributed to his heavy support for former President Trump’s second Presidential campaign, as well as his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an organization that has been dismantling the US government administrative state.
DOGE’s Controversial Efforts
DOGE’s operatives have been accessing or attempting to gain access to sensitive government areas, including IRS records, the US Treasury’s payments system, and the US Social Security Administration. This has led to widespread federal agency layoffs, which has sparked widespread criticism and concern.
Widespread Criticism
Outlets such as Fox News, Politico, and Axios have all recently pointed to polls showing a growing distaste for Musk. Despite the controversy surrounding his efforts at DOGE, the billionaire has continued to use his wealth to influence elections, including his attempt to bolster a conservative Supreme Court candidate in Wisconsin.
Electoral Consequences
Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin election appear to have backfired, with more than half of voters disapproving of his involvement and about a third saying it made them less likely to vote for the conservative justice. In the end, Democrat-backed candidate Susan Crawford won by 10 points, preserving Wisconsin’s highest court’s 4-3 liberal majority.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s popularity with the American public is in decline, according to the latest polling average. His efforts at DOGE have sparked widespread criticism and concern, and his attempt to influence elections has had electoral consequences. It remains to be seen whether Musk’s unpopularity will continue to trend upwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the source of Elon Musk’s declining popularity?
A: According to Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin, Musk’s declining popularity is attributed to his heavy support for former President Trump’s second Presidential campaign and his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Q: What is DOGE’s mission?
A: DOGE is an organization that aims to dismantle the US government administrative state.
Q: What have been the consequences of DOGE’s efforts?
A: DOGE’s efforts have led to widespread federal agency layoffs and have sparked widespread criticism and concern.
Q: Has DOGE’s work had electoral consequences?
A: Yes, DOGE’s work has had electoral consequences, including the loss of a conservative Supreme Court candidate in Wisconsin.
