Elon Musk Faces Political Backlash as Polls Reflect Public Discontent with DOGE Leadership

Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, who has emerged as the most prominent figure in President Donald Trump's administration during the opening weeks of his second term, is grappling with a wave of public disapproval. Musk’s role as the face of DOGE—the Department of Government Efficiency—has brought him both visibility and criticism, as recent polls show his popularity plunging.

Musk, known for leading Tesla and SpaceX, has been steering DOGE through aggressive measures aimed at cutting federal spending, including slashing the federal workforce. While the administration touts these moves as necessary to eliminate billions of dollars in waste, the sweeping layoffs have sparked lawsuits and raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Public sentiment appears to be turning against Musk. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from March 31 to April 2 shows Musk's approval rating at a meager 39%, with 57% of Americans viewing him unfavorably. Only 36% of respondents believe the Trump administration is effectively reducing federal employees, and even fewer—31%—feel that the downsizing is being executed without harming essential services.

Similarly, a Marquette Law School survey places Musk's approval rating at 41%, with a disapproval rating of 58%. His personal favorability numbers are even worse, with just 38% of Americans offering a positive view compared to 60% unfavorable.

These polls reflect broader concerns about the DOGE initiative. According to a Quinnipiac University survey, 54% of Americans believe Musk’s efforts are actively harming the country, whereas only 40% think they are helping. A Fox News poll from mid-March revealed that while many Americans agree government spending is wasteful, 51% oppose significant cuts to federal jobs, and 65% worry that the reductions lack adequate planning.

Despite the growing criticism, Trump continues to back Musk, praising his efforts to uncover wasteful spending and fraud. "He’s done a fantastic job," Trump remarked on Thursday. "We’ve found hundreds of millions of dollars in fraud and abuse, and they’re still going strong." However, even some Republicans are beginning to question Musk’s political baggage, with Democrats seizing the opportunity to target him in their attacks.

Musk's political footprint has extended beyond Washington, as evidenced by his controversial involvement in Wisconsin’s state supreme court election. The race, which became the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, partly served as a referendum on Musk’s leadership at DOGE. Liberal-leaning Judge Susan Crawford defeated conservative Trump-backed candidate Brad Schimel by a surprising 10-point margin, a result many attribute to Musk's polarizing influence.

Musk contributed $20 million to support Schimel through aligned groups and even handed out $1 million checks at a rally in Green Bay to voters who signed petitions against "activist judges." These extravagant moves, criticized as tone-deaf, may have contributed to Schimel’s loss, leaving Musk further exposed to public scrutiny.

The White House has confirmed that Musk will step down from his role at DOGE later this spring, as planned, once his 130-day stint as a special government employee concludes in May. "We’re in no rush," Trump said on Thursday when asked about Musk’s departure. "But there’ll be a point at which he’s going to have to leave. I would think a few months."