Elon Musk’s Approval Rating Is ‘Falling Through the Floor,’ Polls Show… Could the richest man on earth actually go Bankrupt and end up in a kitchen soup as a result?

Elon Musk wearing a “radical MAGA hat: Trump Was Right About Everything” during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House March 24, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Recent polls indicate that Elon Musk’s public approval ratings have significantly declined, with some describing the drop as “falling through the floor.” Several factors may be contributing to this trend:

Key Reasons for the Decline:

1. Controversial Twitter (X) Decisions – Since acquiring Twitter (now X), Musk has faced backlash over mass layoffs, policy changes, and the platform’s handling of misinformation and moderation.
2. Political Polarization – Musk’s increasingly right-leaning political comments, including endorsements of conservative figures and conspiracy theories, have alienated some of his former supporters.
3. Workplace & Labor Issues – Reports of harsh working conditions at Tesla, SpaceX, and X, along with Musk’s opposition to unions, have drawn criticism.
4. Public Behavior & Trolling – His combative online persona, including mocking critics and engaging in online feuds, has turned off some admirers.
5. Tesla’s Struggles – Slowing growth, recalls, and competition in the EV market have raised concerns about Tesla’s future.
6. AI & Tech Ethics Concerns – Musk’s warnings about AI, mixed with his own ventures into AI (xAI, Grok), have been seen as contradictory.

Polling Data:

• A Morning Consult poll (late 2023) showed Musk’s favorability dropping among Democrats and independents.
• YouGov data indicated a net negative approval rating in multiple countries.
• Some surveys suggest his reputation has particularly worsened among younger, progressive demographics.

Elon Musk says, US will go bankrupt without DOGE

Let’s dive in to see what media are saying:-

Elon Musk’s Approval Rating Is ‘Falling Through the Floor,’ Polls Show

Elon Musk’s approval rating is “falling through the floor” among Democrats, according to CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten.

Enten said on Monday’s CNN News Central that Musk’s net favorable rating has dropped from +24 to -19 overall from 2017 to 2025, and that his change in favorability rating among Democrats has been even more significant in that period.

Why It Matters

The billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla owner is leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been tasked by Republican President Donald Trump with slashing federal spending and shrinking the federal workforce.

The “special government employee” has spearheaded mass layoffs and terminations of federal contracts, as well as the dismantling of federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency of International Development. Musk’s actions have sparked a backlash, with demonstrators gathering outside Tesla showrooms for nonviolent protests. Meanwhile, Tesla vehicles and property have been vandalized and destroyed across the country.

What To Know

Musk “used to be beloved by Democrats,” Enten said, noting that his favorability rating among the group was +35 in 2017.

But now, Musk’s favorability rating among Democrats is -91. “That is a movement of over 120 points in the negative direction, falling through the floor,” he said.

Enten noted that Musk’s standing has also dropped among independents, from +17 to -17.

But he said Musk has improved with Republicans, going from -18 in 2017 to +51 in 2025.

“But that doesn’t at all make up for the gap that the Democrats have completely fallen off the rails for Elon Musk.”

Enten said the drop in Democrats’ perception of Musk could be seen in terms of new registrations for Tesla vehicles in the United States.

He said new registrations were down five percent in 2024, and were down 11 percent in January this year.

“This has occurred as other EV carmakers have seen their registrations go up,” Enten said. “And it has also occurred as Tesla registrations and the people buying Teslas worldwide has also dropped. It’s not just a U.S. phenomenon.”

He went on to note that Democrats make up a larger share of electric vehicle owners in the U.S., accounting for 38 percent, while Republicans account for only 20 percent.

A Pew Research Center survey last year found 45 percent of those who are Democrat or lean Democrat were somewhat or very likely to purchase an electric vehicle, while only 13 percent of Republicans or those who lean Republican said the same.

“When you’re falling with Democrats, falling with independents, you’re giving up a large share of the market,” he said. “And that is a big reason why Tesla is struggling and Elon Musk is certainly at least driving a little bit of that.”

Recent Fox News polling found just 40 percent of voters approved of the job Musk is doing with DOGE, while 58 percent disapprove.

And a CNN/SSRS poll found 53 percent of Americans hold an unfavorable opinion of Musk, while 35 percent view him positively.

What People Are Saying

CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten said: “I have rarely if ever seen any change of perception as dramatic as this one. I mean, Elon Musk’s net favorable rating, it’s dropped from +24 to -19 overall from 2017 to 2025. And look at these—look at, among Democrats. He used to be beloved by Democrats at +35. Look where it is now, -91 points on the net favorable rating. That is a movement of over 120 points in the negative direction, falling through the floor.”

Elon Musk wrote on X, in response to a post about the Democratic Party’s low approval rating: “The Democratic Party is dying.”

President Donald Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Monday: “Elon, I want to thank you. I know you’ve been through a lot with this horrible situation that happens … He’s a patriot more than anything else. He’s never, think of it, he has never asked me for a thing.”

Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, said he was getting rid of his Tesla in a video posted on X on March 14: “Every time I get in this car in the last 60 days or so, it reminds me of just how much damage Elon Musk and Donald Trump is doing to our country. Talking about slashing Social Security, cutting health care benefits for poor people, for seniors. It’s one bad thing after the next.”

What Happens Next

Musk’s approval rating is likely to continue fluctuating, especially among Democrats, as he continues work with DOGE and be a prominent figure in the Trump administration.

Musk’s Response:

Musk has largely dismissed criticism, attributing negative polls to media bias and “woke mind viruses.” He continues to engage directly with his fanbase on X, where he retains strong support among tech enthusiasts and libertarian-leaning followers.

Bottom Line:

While Musk remains influential, his polarizing actions and statements have eroded his once broadly positive public image. Whether this trend continues may depend on Tesla’s performance, X’s stability, and his political engagements ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

Question: Will Musk go bankrupt as a result?

Elon Musk is unlikely to go bankrupt despite his declining approval ratings, but his financial situation depends on several key factors. Here’s a breakdown of the risks and safeguards:

Why Bankruptcy Is Unlikely (For Now):

1. Diversified Wealth & Assets
   • Musk’s net worth (estimated at $180–$220 billion) is tied mostly to Tesla and SpaceX stock.
   • Even if Tesla struggles, SpaceX (valued at ~$180 billion) remains a leader in aerospace.
   • Other ventures (Neuralink, xAI, The Boring Company) provide additional buffers.
2. No Personal Debt Crisis
   • Unlike in 2008 (when Tesla and SpaceX nearly collapsed), Musk isn’t personally cash-strapped.
   • He has sold billions in Tesla stock over the years, giving him liquidity.
3. X (Twitter) Debt Is Manageable
   • X has $13 billion in debt from Musk’s takeover, but it’s held by the company, not him personally.
   • If X fails, lenders (like Morgan Stanley) would take over assets—not Musk’s personal fortune.
4. Tesla’s Cash Reserves
   • Tesla still has $26 billion in cash (as of Q1 2024), which helps weather slow demand.

Possible Financial Risks:

1. Tesla Stock Crash
   • If Tesla’s valuation drops drastically (e.g., due to EV competition or Musk’s distractions), Musk’s wealth could shrink.
   • He has pledged Tesla shares as collateral for loans—if the stock falls too much, he might face margin calls.
2. X’s Financial Troubles
   • X’s ad revenue has dropped ~50% since Musk’s takeover, and debt payments are $1.2B/year.
   • If X can’t turn profitable, Musk may need to inject more cash or let it go bankrupt (but this wouldn’t ruin him).
3. Legal & Regulatory Threats
   • SEC lawsuits, Tesla board challenges, or SpaceX contract losses could strain his finances.

Worst-Case Scenario:

• A perfect storm (Tesla collapse + SpaceX setbacks + X bankruptcy) could erode Musk’s wealth significantly.
• However, even in this case, he’d likely remain a billionaire due to his diversified holdings.

Conclusion:

Musk’s personal bankruptcy is extremely unlikely, but his empire could shrink if multiple ventures fail simultaneously. His wealth is more at risk from market forces (Tesla stock decline) than from his approval ratings.

Really? Let’s dive deeper…

Elon Musk’s financial empire is vast, but it’s not invincible. Here’s a breakdown of his biggest financial vulnerabilities—the factors that could seriously erode his wealth or even trigger a crisis:

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1. Tesla’s Stock Collapse (The Biggest Risk)

Why it matters: ~60% of Musk’s net worth is tied to Tesla stock.
Threats:

• EV market slowdown – Rising competition (BYD, legacy automakers) and softening demand.
• Musk’s distractions – His focus on X, politics, and other ventures hurts Tesla’s leadership perception.
• Margin loans – Musk has pledged $50B+ in Tesla stock as collateral. A 40% drop could trigger margin calls, forcing him to sell shares and crash the stock further.
• Investor revolt – Some shareholders want him removed as CEO over his “part-time” commitment.

Worst-case: A 2018-style near-bankruptcy repeat, but now with much higher stakes.

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2. X (Twitter) Debt & Cash Burn

Why it matters: X owes $13Bindebt\ast \ast (fromMusk’sleveragedbuyout),with\ast \ast$1.2B/year in interest payments.
Threats:

• Ad revenue down 50%+ – Major brands left over moderation concerns.
• Debt restructuring risk – If X can’t refinance, Musk may have to pump in more cash or let it default.
• Personal guarantees? Unclear if Musk is personally liable, but his reputation is tied to X’s survival.

Worst-case: X files for bankruptcy, Musk loses his $44B investment, and lenders take over.

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3. SpaceX’s High-Stakes Bets

Why it matters: SpaceX is worth ~$180B, but relies on risky projects:

• Starship delays – If it fails to become cost-effective, Mars/Starlink ambitions crumble.
• Starlink profitability – Requires massive satellite deployment and global adoption.
• Government dependence – NASA/DoD contracts could dry up if SpaceX stumbles.

Worst-case: A Starship explosion + lost contracts = valuation drop, hurting Musk’s second-largest asset.

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4. Legal & Regulatory Bombshells

Threats:

• SEC lawsuits – Musk’s past Twitter “funding secured” drama could resurface.
• Tesla board lawsuits – Shareholders suing over Musk’s compensation or self-dealing.
• DOJ investigations – X’s content moderation or SpaceX’s hiring practices could draw fines.

Worst-case: A multibillion-dollar settlement forces asset sales.

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5. Reputation-Driven Fallout

Musk’s polarizing image now directly impacts his businesses:

• Tesla buyers boycott – Left-leaning EV shoppers reject the brand over his politics.
• SpaceX talent drain – Engineers quit over his controversies.
• Advertisers flee X – Brands don’t want to be associated with him.

Worst-case: A “Musk discount” permanently lowers Tesla/SpaceX valuations.

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Could He Actually Go Broke?

• Unlikely, but not impossible. His wealth is diversified enough to survive one or two failures.
• Biggest danger: A Tesla + X + SpaceX triple crisis could wipe out hundreds of billions.
• Best defense: If SpaceX dominates space and Tesla solves full self-driving (FSD), he could bounce back.

Final Verdict: Musk won’t end up in a soup kitchen, but his “richest man” title is at risk if Tesla falters.