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

New polls have revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump and his senior advisor, Elon Musk, are facing serious challenges regarding public popularity.

Since Trump's return to the White House three months ago, a poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has found that a majority of Americans disapprove of the job he is doing so far. According to the survey, only 44% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, while 51% disapprove.

Trump’s first months back in office have been marked by a series of controversial decisions, including a tough new crackdown on immigration and the introduction of trade tariffs that have added to the nation's economic uncertainty.

The poll revealed further concerns among the American public regarding Trump's handling of key issues. Specifically, 62 percent of respondents said they believe Trump is not managing inflation effectively, and 58 percent think he is mishandling trade policy.

"Arguably, the belief that Joe Biden and the Democrats were mishandling the economy doomed the presidential aspirations of Kamala Harris in 2024. Unless Trump and the Republicans turn things around quickly, they are likely to face similar retribution in upcoming elections," said Jesse Rhodes, professor of political science at UMass Amherst and co-director of the poll.

The polling data paints a troubling picture for Trump and his administration, suggesting that public confidence in his leadership remains shaky. As economic pressures continue and political tensions rise, Trump and his team may face a steep uphill battle to regain the trust of a skeptical electorate.

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

Joe Raedle

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.

According to the poll, 53% do not trust him to identify which federal programs should be cut, 55% do not trust him to protect citizens' private information, and 59% doubt he will avoid using his position to benefit his personal business interests.

"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., in his rearview mirror," said Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political science at UMass Amherst and director of the poll. 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 39.4% of Americans currently have a positive view of Musk, while a clear majority, 52.7%, view him negatively.

Public Perception and Political Strategy

Political analyst Dr. Pepper Schwartz emphasizes the importance of understanding public sentiment in political strategy. She notes that Trump's current approval ratings reflect a significant disconnect between his policies and the expectations of the electorate.

This disconnect can lead to decreased support, particularly among independent voters who are crucial in swing states. Schwartz suggests that effective communication and active listening can help bridge this gap, allowing leaders to realign their strategies with public concerns.

She advises that engaging in community forums and social media discussions may enhance transparency and foster a more relatable image.

Struggling in the Polls...

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.

Understanding the psychology of public opinion is vital in assessing the challenges faced by Trump and Musk. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, points out that negative approval ratings can trigger defensive reactions in individuals, potentially leading to further alienation from their audience.

She recommends a focused approach on emotional intelligence. Practicing empathy and acknowledging the concerns of the public can create a more favorable perception.

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

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

As noted by Charles Duhigg, understanding the narrative behind public perception is crucial for any leader. The current approval ratings of Trump and Musk highlight the necessity for introspection and adaptive strategies. Duhigg's research indicates that successful leaders often pivot their approaches based on feedback, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in leadership.

In conclusion, by actively engaging with constituents and demonstrating a willingness to evolve, both Trump and Musk can work towards improving their public images and restoring confidence among their supporters.