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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was present at a cabinet meeting led by President Donald Trump at the White House on March 24, 2025.
The current sentiment among the public and investors is quite tepid regarding both Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.
The stock of Tesla has faced significant declines, and a recent CNBC All-America Economic survey reveals that more than 47% of the public holds a negative opinion of the electric vehicle manufacturer. In contrast, only 27% view Tesla positively, while 24% remain neutral. This stands in stark contrast to General Motors, where approximately one-third of the public holds a favorable view, with 51% neutral and just 10% negative.
Tesla is navigating through tough waters, grappling with concerns about Musk’s contentious political affiliations, particularly his support for the GOP and President Trump, which some believe could alienate potential buyers. Protests have erupted at Tesla locations across the country, indicating growing discontent.
The survey highlights Musk as a divisive figure, with half of respondents expressing a negative viewpoint about him while only 36% see him in a positive light, and 16% are neutral. The numbers are alarming among Democrats, showing a net approval rating of -82, and -49 among independents, whereas Republicans display a favorable view with a +56 rating.
One of Tesla’s crucial challenges appears to be that many demographic groups enthusiastic about electric vehicles do not share the same positive feelings towards the brand itself.
As Micah Roberts, a partner at Public Opinion Strategies, points out, “Tesla’s strongest support comes from those who are the least likely to purchase an electric vehicle.”
Overall, the landscape for electric vehicles is mixed: 35% of Americans express negative sentiments toward EVs, whereas 33% are positive. Interestingly, men demonstrate a +11 net approval of electric vehicles but are neutral regarding Tesla as a brand. Younger demographics aged 18-34 have a +19 approval rating for EVs but a -23 outlook on Tesla. This disparity is particularly pronounced among Democrats, who show a +20 net approval for electric vehicles but a -74 rating for Tesla.
Adding complexity to this scenario, Republicans show strong support for Tesla even as they generally express negative sentiments towards electric vehicles overall.
This nationwide survey, which included responses from 1,000 individuals, was conducted from April 9 to April 13 and carries a margin of error of +/-3.1%.
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