New Poll Reveals Trump and Musk's Popularity, and It Is Not Good News for Them

It’s not every day you see a billionaire get handed a brand-new government job, then watch his approval ratings sink in real time. After Trump tapped Elon Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, the headlines came fast, and none of them were flattering.

Between the reported contract cancellations, the federal program cuts, and the firing of thousands of employees, Musk’s promise to cut $1 trillion in spending started to look less like a quick win and more like a high-stakes gamble. Even worse, Musk has admitted he might only hit about 15 percent of the original target, while the political firestorm around Trump continues, from Nazi-salute accusations to the $25 million poured into Brad Schimel’s campaign.

Now a new UMass Amherst poll is adding another gut punch: most Americans do not trust Musk to run key parts of the government.

President Donald Trump watches the Ultimate Fighting Championship with Elon Musk at the Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025, in Miami

Joe Raedle

That’s the same Musk who told everyone DOGE work could wrap up by the end of May, even as the savings target quietly shrank to 15 percent.

Trump also appointed the world's richest man to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with the ambitious goal of cutting $1 trillion in government spending by the end of the fiscal year on September 30.

Despite the high-profile headlines that followed the cancellation of contracts, the cutting of federal programs, and the firing of thousands of federal employees, Musk has admitted that he may only achieve about 15 percent of the original savings target.

Adding to the controversy were the accusations of Nazi salutes surrounding Trump's inauguration and the decision to pour $25 million into Republican judge Brad Schimel’s campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

Against this backdrop, it is perhaps not surprising that another University of Massachusetts Amherst poll found that most Americans do not trust Musk to properly manage key government responsibilities.

"Given the unpopularity of Musk’s efforts to rein in federal spending, it is no surprise that many expect Musk to return to his businesses and to put Washington, D.C. Musk has indicated that he expects most of DOGE’s work to be completed by the end of May.

Musk’s declining popularity is not just reflected in UMass polls. New national polling averages aggregated by statistician Nate Silver show that 39.7%, view him negatively.

Meanwhile, Trump’s own numbers are slipping too, and the UFC-at-the-Kaseya-Center moment with Musk does not exactly scream “public confidence.”

Public Perception and Political Strategy

And speaking of family attention, Trump’s explanation for Barron’s height has people debating genetics again.

Struggling in the Polls...

Add the Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign money for Brad Schimel and the Nazi-salute accusations around Trump’s inauguration, and it’s hard to separate DOGE from the broader backlash.

Statistician Nate Silver believes that even if Musk steps back from his government role, his influence on public life will not diminish any time soon.

Silver said Musk will "remain an exceptionally important and controversial public figure even if he does." He added that in the meantime, Musk’s declining popularity could create additional problems for Trump, whose own approval ratings have also been slipping."Until then, he could be a liability for Trump because he’s less popular than the president is, even as Trump’s numbers have also declined," Silver explained.

Silver’s comments highlight the political risks Trump faces by keeping Musk in such a high-profile position. As public opinion continues to turn against Musk, his controversial image could drag down Trump’s broader efforts to rally support ahead of upcoming elections.

With both men struggling in the polls, Musk’s presence in the administration may end up complicating an already challenging political landscape for the president.

So even if Musk steps back from DOGE, the damage is already showing up in polling, with 39.7 percent viewing him negatively.

Understanding the psychology of public opinion is vital in assessing the challenges faced by Trump and Musk.

By prioritizing connection and authenticity in their messaging, both figures may regain trust and improve their standings in the eyes of the electorate.

Understanding the narrative behind public perception is essential for any leader, and the recent approval ratings for Trump and Musk illustrate a pressing need for introspection and adaptability. The significant drop in their popularity since Trump's return to the White House just three months ago underscores the challenges they face. The necessity for a strategic pivot based on public feedback cannot be overstated, as leaders who adapt their approaches typically find more success in maintaining support.

Engaging actively with constituents and showing a willingness to evolve may be crucial steps for both Trump and Musk. By addressing the concerns reflected in the latest polls, they have the opportunity to work towards improving their public images and restoring confidence among their supporters.

Right now, DOGE feels less like efficiency and more like a liability with a rocket logo.

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