 "A protester holds a sign referencing Elon Musk, who is heading US President Donald Trump's drive to shrink the federal government, as demonstrators gather in protest of US President Donald Trump outside New York's City Hall, in New York City, US, February 5, 2025. File Image/Reuters")
Elon Musk, once a favoured figure among many conservatives, is witnessing a sharp decline in support from Republican voters.
When US President Donald Trump initially appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), many in the party backed his aggressive approach to streamlining government agencies. However, recent polls indicate a significant drop in enthusiasm.
According to an Economist/YouGov survey conducted shortly after Trump’s 2024 election victory, 47 per cent of Republicans wanted Musk to have substantial influence in the administration.
Just a few months later, that figure has plummeted to 26 per cent, with 43 per cent now preferring he have only a limited role and 17 per cent wanting him removed from government altogether.
Among independents, only 6 per cent now want Musk to have a strong influence, a dramatic decline from 26 per cent in November 2024. Democrats have also grown more resistant, with only 6 per cent favouring Musk’s involvement in government.
While Trump’s base has remained largely supportive, non-MAGA Republicans are expressing increasing scepticism about Musk’s unchecked authority. The latest data from a Hart Research poll found that 63 per cent of voters overall now have an unfavourable view of Musk, a jump of nine points since earlier surveys.
The number of Americans wanting Musk to have “a lot” of influence in government has dropped from 34 per cent in November to just 13 per cent now.
What maybe behind Musk’s declining popularity?
Musk’s role as head of DOGE has given him sweeping access to critical government systems, leading to growing concerns about his level of influence. DOGE, tasked with eliminating inefficiencies in federal agencies, has come under scrutiny for its aggressive actions.
Recent reports suggest that DOGE employees have been granted entry to sensitive financial and personnel data , including files from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Treasury Department’s federal payment systems.
Over the weekend, DOGE officials reportedly raided USAID offices, accessing personnel files and payment information before placing all employees on administrative leave. DOGE has also gained entry to US Treasury Department records for an “operational efficiency assessment.”
While the Treasury insists that Musk’s access is “read-only,” sources told WIRED that Musk’s engineers had the ability to modify code in the Treasury’s highly sensitive Payment Automation Manager and Secure Payment System.
Polling data reflects growing discomfort with Musk’s unchecked power . Fifty-seven percent of Americans say Musk wields too much influence in government. Among those familiar with DOGE’s operations, this figure rises to 60 per cent.
Additionally, 61 per cent of respondents expressed concerns about Musk not being bound by rules regarding conflicts of interest, especially after the White House confirmed that he would self-determine potential conflicts.
How have Democrats reacted to Musk?
The backlash against Musk’s government involvement has created an opportunity for Democrats to rally opposition. According to internal polling from the Democratic Party, 70 per cent of voters disapprove of what they describe as a “government of the rich for the rich,” with Musk’s appointment being a key example.
Some lawmakers are now pushing to limit Musk’s ability to receive federal contracts while holding a leadership role in the Trump administration.
Additionally, Musk’s controversial “deferred resignation” proposal, which would have offered severance deals to large numbers of federal employees, was recently blocked by a federal judge just hours before the deadline.
Democrats are capitalising on these controversies, with some seeking to subpoena Musk over his involvement in dismantling government operations.
US Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska revealed that the Senate phone system had been overwhelmed with constituent calls, reporting an influx of around 1,600 calls per minute — far surpassing the usual 40 calls per minute.
How is Trump being perceived?
While Trump’s economic policies maintain mixed approval, Musk’s standing with the public continues to erode.
A recent Morning Consult poll found that 46 per cent of Americans disapprove of Musk’s government involvement, while only 41 per cent support it. Among independent voters, 53 per cent oppose his role, with just 28 per cent in favour.
Polling from Data for Progress further suggests that 51 per cent of likely voters believe Musk is using DOGE to benefit his own businesses rather than focusing on government efficiency.
Concerns about Musk’s motives are exacerbated by reports that his team has been given access to all unclassified government records, software systems, and IT networks.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found substantial public support for Trump’s freeze on federal hiring, with 49 per cent backing the policy. However, other Trump initiatives — such as a proposed 25 per cent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico — have proven less popular.
The YouGov poll found that only 33 per cent of Americans support the tariffs, while 49 per cent oppose them.
While Trump has largely defended Musk’s leadership of DOGE, growing bipartisan scrutiny and declining public approval may force the administration to reconsider the extent of his influence.
With inputs from agencies