Elon Musk, the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, has seen his approval rating plummet to 41% in a recent poll. This comes as Musk’s role in the Trump administration has been met with criticism and controversy.
What Happened
A new poll of voters in February found that President Donald Trump has lost support from January. The same poll asked voters for their thoughts on Musk, who Trump put in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency. The results were:
- Approve: 41%
- Disapprove: 45%
- Neutral: 14%
Musk’s approval rating is lower than Trump’s 48% and has a higher disapproval rating. This suggests that voters are not supporting Musk’s role at DOGE or the new department overall.
Voter Support for DOGE and Department Elimination
Voters showed minimal support for the DOGE and the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education. The poll found that:
- 44% of voters opposed the decision to eliminate USAID, with 36% supporting the decision and 20% unsure
- 58% of voters oppose the elimination of the Department of Education, with 30% supporting the department’s elimination
According to Emerson College Polling executive director Spencer Kimball, “Support for eliminating the Department of Education is found among Republicans, at 53%, while Democrats and independents strongly oppose it at 82% and 59%.” Kimball also noted that eliminating USAID is popular among Republicans at 62% of support, but is opposed by 68% and 45% of Democrats and independents, respectively.
Impact on Tesla and Other Companies
Given Musk’s increasingly elevated role within the Trump administration, he may find himself the subject of more approval polls related to his political endeavors. The big question for investors will be how Musk’s approval rating translates to the companies he runs, such as Tesla Inc. Tesla has taken a hit to its brand value in a recent survey, losing $15 billion in brand value and dropping 18 places in the rankings to 36th.
Tesla sales have also fallen in regions like Germany and other parts of Europe, and have declined overall in the US in 2024. California saw a double-digit decline in Tesla sales to start the 2025 year in January. Musk’s approval rating as a CEO and as a politician are likely two different things, but for investors and Tesla shareholders, the hope is that they can stay separate and not translate to overall disapproval of Musk as a person and leader.
Key Takeaways
- Elon Musk’s approval rating has plummeted to 41% amidst DOGE and department elimination controversies
- Voters show minimal support for the DOGE and the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate USAID and the Department of Education
- Musk’s approval rating may impact the companies he runs, such as Tesla Inc
- Tesla sales have fallen in regions like Germany and other parts of Europe, and have declined overall in the US in 2024
Additional Resources
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