A recent Gallup poll conducted in July 2025 identified Elon Musk as the most disliked public figure among 14 prominent American and global personalities, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., JD Vance, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Benjamin Netanyahu, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and President Donald Trump.
The poll revealed that 61% of Americans viewed Musk unfavorably, compared to 33% with a positive opinion, and 6% with no opinion, giving him a net favorability rating of -28. This was lower than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s -23 (52% unfavorable).Musk, once a close ally of Trump, spent nearly $300 million supporting his 2024 campaign and was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing federal spending and workforce. However, their relationship deteriorated, culminating in a public falling-out this summer. Musk’s favorability plummeted from -4 in January to -28, exacerbated by his dive into controversial MAGA politics, which alienated Democrats (net favorability of -86 among them), and his criticism of Trump, which angered the former president’s base. His claim that Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein files further damaged his reputation, coinciding with a reported $34 billion loss in his personal wealth.
The poll also highlighted broader dissatisfaction with Trump’s circle. Vice President JD Vance’s unfavorable rating rose from 40% to 49%, dropping his net favorability to -11. Former President Joe Biden also scored a -11 net favorability, with 54% unfavorable views, though his favorability slightly improved from 39% to 43% since January. The results reflect ongoing public skepticism toward the current administration.