Growing distaste for Musk
Tesla’s once-unshakable grip on the electric vehicle market appears to be loosening, and Elon Musk’s public perception may be to blame. According to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll, 67% of Americans now say they wouldn’t consider buying or leasing a Tesla, with more than half attributing their decision to Musk himself.
Musk’s political influence takes a toll
Since taking charge of President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has been at the center of controversy. His aggressive cost-cutting measures — including canceling federal contracts, firing civil servants, and dismantling foreign aid programs — have drawn national attention. But rather than boosting his popularity, Musk’s leadership of DOGE appears to have damaged his reputation.
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Last November, before Musk officially joined Trump’s administration, his favorability stood at 49%, with 39% of Americans holding an unfavorable view. Today, the numbers have flipped: Only 39% view him favorably, while 55% hold an unfavorable opinion. Additionally, a majority of Americans (54%) now believe Musk wields too much influence in the Trump administration.
The decline in Musk’s popularity isn’t just a partisan issue. While Democrats and independents have largely opposed Musk’s alignment with Trump, even some Republican voters are growing wary. According to the poll, 23% of Trump voters believe Musk has too much influence, a noticeable increase from just 11% last November. Similarly, 20% of Trump supporters now hold an unfavorable view of Musk, more than double the percentage from last year.
Tesla’s reputation in decline
The poll also reveals a significant drop in Tesla’s favorability. Nearly half of Americans (49%) now view the company negatively, compared to 37% who see it in a positive light. While Republicans are more likely to consider purchasing a Tesla (27%) compared to independents (19%) and Democrats (8%), overall enthusiasm for the brand has waned.
Tesla
Public perception of Musk’s motives further exacerbates Tesla’s struggles. A majority (52%) believe that Musk’s actions are primarily self-serving rather than aimed at benefiting the country. This sentiment, combined with widespread disapproval of DOGE’s handling of federal spending, appears to be contributing to Tesla’s declining appeal.
A warning sign for Tesla’s future
The poll’s findings indicate that Musk’s involvement in politics and government may be alienating potential Tesla buyers. While 49% of Americans support the idea of a government agency focused on reducing federal spending, only 37% approve of how Musk’s DOGE is executing these cuts. Additionally, 44% believe the agency is making things worse by slashing essential services.
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
Musk’s association with Tesla has long been a selling point for the brand, but that dynamic is shifting. Only 10% of Americans who say they would consider a Tesla cite Musk as a factor in their decision, whereas 56% of those who reject the brand blame Musk for their choice.
Final thoughts
This shift in public sentiment could have serious implications for Tesla’s market position. With increasing concerns about Musk’s influence, the company may struggle to maintain its once-loyal customer base. Analysts warn that if this trend continues, Tesla could face declining sales and a loss of its competitive edge in the EV market. If Tesla hopes to retain its standing, it may need to find a way to separate its corporate identity from Musk’s increasingly polarizing public image.
