Elon Musk's Influence on the Trump Administration Declines

Elon Musk's tenure as head of President Trump's government efficiency commission has been marked by controversy and a significant decline in public support.

Public Opinion Shifts

A YouGov poll conducted in February 2023 found that only 13% of respondents now want Musk to have a lot of influence on the Trump administration, down from 27% in November 2022. Overall, 46% want him to have no influence, up from 37% in November.

The decline in support is particularly pronounced among Republicans, with 21% fewer saying they want Musk to have a lot of influence. The portion of Republicans hoping he has a little influence has also dropped by 14 points.

Steve Bannon's Opposition

Musk's most vocal critic is Steve Bannon, who has called him a "truly evil person" and accused him of exploiting Trump for personal gain. Bannon has vowed to distance Musk from Trump, but so far he has not succeeded.

Trump's Ambivalence

Trump has praised Musk as a "smart guy" and delegated significant authority to him. However, he has also dismissed suggestions that Musk is a shadow president. It remains unclear how Trump feels about Musk's declining reputation.

DOGE's Controversial Activities

DOGE, the commission led by Musk, has suspended the work of the US Agency for International Development. Thousands of federal employees have been ordered to resign, and DOGE has gained access to massive government computer systems.

Musk's critics have raised concerns about the legality and constitutionality of DOGE's activities. Several lawsuits have been filed challenging its actions.

Small-Government Support, Public Hesitance

Musk's fans support his goal of reducing the size of government. However, many Americans are hesitant about the potential consequences of such drastic cuts. They rely on government programs for healthcare, community services, and other essential benefits.

Musk's Aggressive Approach

Musk has set an ambitious goal of identifying $500 billion in annual savings. He has moved quickly to implement his plans, but voters may decide that his approach is too disruptive for government work.