WSJ Poll: Musk’s popularity is cratering



Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has seen a significant decline in his popularity among Americans, according to a recent Wall Street Journal poll.

The survey reveals that Musk’s favorability rating now stands at 40%, while 51% of the public disapproves of the billionaire entrepreneur. This marks a notable shift in public opinion compared to just a few months ago. In October, Musk’s favorability and unfavorability ratings were evenly split at 45% each. However, the latest poll shows a six-point increase in his unfavorability and a five-point decrease in his favorability.

Will these numbers impact his businesses as consumers are more inclined to boycott companies that conflict with their ideologies?

Several factors may have contributed to this decline in Musk’s public image:

  1. Political Alignment: Musk’s close association with President Donald Trump and his involvement in the new administration have likely polarized public opinion.

  2. Government Role: Musk has been appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with reducing government waste and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money.

  3. Controversial Statements: Musk’s outspoken nature, reposting of disinformation, and controversial posts on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have drawn criticism and scrutiny.

  4. Business Decisions: Some of Musk’s recent business moves and public statements regarding his companies may have affected public perception.

Interestingly, Musk’s current favorability ratings closely mirror those of President Donald Trump. The poll found that both Musk and Trump are viewed positively by about 40% of Americans, while roughly half of the population holds an unfavorable opinion of them

Despite the decline in popularity, some analysts believe that Musk’s close relationship with the Trump administration could benefit his businesses, particularly Tesla and SpaceX. However, others express concern about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on shareholder value. As Musk continues to play a significant role in both the business world and the political sphere, his public image and its effects on his various ventures will likely remain a topic of interest and debate in the coming months.

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