Elon Musk’s favorability dropped 10 points from February to March in the latest Harvard/Harris poll.
Newsweek reached out to Musk for comment via Tesla‘s press email.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump assigned Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a task force tasked with cutting unnecessary government spending. Musk, however, has faced backlash over the firing of federal workers, DOGE workers accessing potentially sensitive payment information on Americans, and concerns about whether he may cut some programs.
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What To Know
Musk’s favorability is plummeting amid growing DOGE backlash, according to a new poll conducted by the Harvard Center for American Political Studies and HarrisX that surveyed 2,746 registered voters from March 26-27.
Forty-nine percent of respondents said they view Musk unfavorably, compared to only 39 percent who view him positively, according to the poll. That amounts to a -10 favorability rating.
In February, Americans felt more neutral about Musk. The Harvard/Harris poll conducted that month showed 44 percent of Americans each viewed him favorably and unfavorably.
Musk’s time at DOGE has also drawn some business trouble, with one investor calling on Tesla’s board of directors to remove him as the CEO, as the company’s stock has dropped 33 percent since January.
While Musk’s personal favorability has dropped, Americans are still supportive of cutting the size of the federal government. Sixty-eight percent support the goal of cutting $1 trillion of government expenditures, compared to 32 percent who oppose doing so.
Still, only 42 percent believed Musk and DOGE will be able to achieve that by the end of the year.
How Do Americans Feel About Donald Trump?
The poll also shed new light about how Trump’s approval rating is faring more than two months after his inauguration.
It found that 46 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 49 percent give him negative marks so far. Trump’s personal favorability was a net zero, with 47 percent each saying they view him favorably and unfavorably.
Still, 54 percent of respondents said they believe Trump is doing a better job as president than Joe Biden did.
What People Are Saying
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten this month: “I have rarely if ever seen any change of perception as dramatic as this one. I mean, Elon Musk‘s net favorable rating, it’s dropped from +24 to -19 overall from 2017 to 2025. And look at these—look at, among Democrats. He used to be beloved by Democrats at +35. Look where it is now, -91 points on the net favorable rating. That is a movement of over 120 points in the negative direction, falling through the floor.”
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: “Wow!!! People are loving Elon, a GREAT PATRIOT. Nice to see!!! DJT.”
What Happens Next
Musk’s approval will continue to be a key gauge of the popularity of DOGE over the coming months.
