Elon Musk, once hailed as a visionary by conservatives and a key ally of former President Donald Trump, is facing a sharp decline in Republican support. A new poll signals a dramatic shift in how GOP voters perceive his influence in the administration.
Poll Numbers Show a Stark Decline
The latest Economist/YouGov survey paints a grim picture for Musk’s political standing within the Republican Party. His “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), once a celebrated initiative among conservatives, is now losing steam. Only 26% of Republicans believe Musk should continue to wield major influence in the Trump administration.
That’s a steep drop from just a few months ago. In the days following Trump’s re-election victory in November, nearly half—47%—of Republican respondents supported Musk’s role. The 21-point decline suggests growing unease among the GOP base regarding his government involvement.
What’s Behind the Shift?
So, what changed? A few key decisions seem to have soured Musk’s relationship with conservative voters.
- DOGE’s Controversial Decisions – Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency was supposed to streamline bureaucracy. Instead, its abrupt closure of USAID operations raised red flags, especially after gaining access to sensitive government data.
- Clashes with Republican Lawmakers – Reports indicate increasing friction between Musk and key Republican figures, particularly over his approach to government transparency and efficiency measures.
- Shifting Public Image – Musk’s unpredictable behavior on social media, coupled with his mixed political messaging, has made him a more polarizing figure than ever before.
One Republican strategist, speaking anonymously, told The Guardian, “Musk was seen as an asset—now he’s a liability. The base is starting to question if he really shares their values or if he’s just doing his own thing.”
The USAID Controversy
Perhaps the biggest factor in Musk’s falling numbers is the DOGE department’s abrupt decision to shut down USAID operations. The move came just days after DOGE had been granted access to sensitive government data, sparking concerns over potential security risks and political motivations.
For decades, USAID has played a crucial role in American foreign aid, delivering humanitarian assistance and strengthening diplomatic ties. The sudden closure, reportedly ordered by Musk himself, blindsided many within the administration. Critics argue that the decision undermines U.S. influence abroad at a time when global stability is already fragile.
What This Means for Musk and the Trump Administration
The fallout from these developments raises questions about Musk’s long-term role in Trump’s government. With his Republican support dwindling, his influence within the administration may be at risk. Some GOP lawmakers are already calling for a reassessment of DOGE’s initiatives and Musk’s continued involvement.
Meanwhile, Trump himself has remained relatively quiet on the issue. While he has previously praised Musk as an innovator, sources close to the administration suggest that tensions are brewing behind the scenes. If Musk’s popularity continues to slide, he may find himself sidelined in a government he once seemed poised to reshape.
One thing is clear: the honeymoon period between Musk and the Republican base is over. Whether he can regain their trust—or if his political ambitions are in jeopardy—remains to be seen.
