Elon Musk’s Influence in Washington Faces Growing Public Backlash

Elon Musk, long regarded as a symbol of innovation and business success, is experiencing a notable decline in public support as he becomes more involved in U.S. political affairs. According to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 33% of American adults now view Musk favorably, down from 41% in December. Musk, who has become an increasingly prominent figure in Washington and a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to restructure the federal government, has drawn attention for his controversial behavior, including provocative social media posts and public stunts. The data suggest that Musk’s growing political presence may be contributing to the erosion of his once-strong public image.

The poll revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans feel Elon Musk has wielded excessive influence over the federal government in recent months, although his role in Washington may soon be winding down. The billionaire entrepreneur is reportedly preparing to step down from his government position in the coming weeks. Despite his high profile, Musk remains less popular than the broader initiative to shrink the federal workforce a key priority for former President Donald Trump, who has often labelled the government as bloated and corrupt. According to the survey, about half of U.S. adults believe Trump’s efforts to cut federal staffing have gone too far, while around 30% think he is handling it appropriately, and 14% believe he should push even further in downsizing.