Elon Musk’s move to Washington has impacted his public perception and Tesla’s (TSLA) business outlook, according to recent polling and market data. A new AP-NORC poll shows just 33% of U.S. adults now view Musk favorably, down from 41% in December, as he leads President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The partisan divide is stark, as 70% of Republicans view him favorably, compared to 10% of Democrats and 20% of independents.
Tesla’s financial results reflect this political polarization. In Q1 2025, deliveries fell 13% to 336,681 vehicles, the lowest since 2022, with revenue dropping 9% to $20.6 billion. Analysts attribute a significant portion of this decline to the brand damage caused by Musk’s political activities.
