In an era where technology, power, and politics collide, few public figures have inspired as much division as Elon Musk. Once celebrated as the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and groundbreaking innovations, Musk now stands at the center of one of the sharpest declines in public favor seen in modern American history. Recent polling data suggest that Musk may well be the most disliked public figure in the nation.

The Evidence of Widespread Unfavorability

A Gallup poll conducted betweenJuly 7 and July 21, 2025, revealed a staggering 61% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Elon Musk, while merely33% view him favorably. This places him at the very bottom, ranked lower than other divisive figures like Benjamin Netanyahu or even Donald Trump

Earlier surveys provide a consistent — though slightly varied — narrative. A Pew Research Center survey from late January to early February 2025 found54% of adults expressed unfavorable views, compared to just 42% favorable . The CNBC All-America Economic survey similarly reported that 50% of Americans have a negative view of Musk, with only 36% seeing him positively

A Political Persona or a Public Enemy?

Musk’s political involvements are a major factor in his decline. His active role in Donald Trump’s administration — leading the controversial “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) — has dramatically reshaped public perception. Reports from Newsweek and Forbes indicate that his approval rating has plunged even further as he exited his role in the administration, with unfavorable views climbing towards 54% and favorability dipping to 39–40%

Forbes further documented declining favorability among Republicans — dropping from 78% in March to 62% by June, as well as mere 30% of all American voters expressing a favorable opinion of Musk An Ask/YouGov poll from early February showed 52% unfavorable vs 42% favorable, with a rapid rise in “very unfavorable” responses

The Groundswell of Protest

Public sentiment has not stayed confined to polls. Grassroots movements like Tesla Takedown” have emerged globally, aiming to undercut Musk’s influence through boycotts and divestment — calling for people to sell their Tesla vehicles and shares. These demonstrations have taken place in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia.

In the U.K., the protest group “Everyone Hates Elon” uses guerrilla marketing to spread its message — staging events like smashing a Tesla in public “rage room” protests to symbolize resistance

Disturbingly, digital activism also took a darker turn with DogeQuest”, a doxxing site that published personal information of Tesla owners — raising serious concerns about harassment and privacy violations

Even Reddit discussions reflect mounting unease:

The problem is that the left is soooooo corrupt … Musk bought the USA government. … Musk is an oligarch, … consolidating the keys of powers.”

Scandals and Symbolism: More Than Just Dislike

Adding to his political baggage are controversies that resonate emotionally. One particularly incendiary incident occurred at Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025: Musk performed a gesture widely interpreted as a Nazi salute (or Roman-style fascist salute), sparking condemnation and fears about fascist overtones

Such symbolism, along with Musk’s dismissive responses, has made him a lightning rod for frustration — fueling both online outrage and physical protest.

Who Hates Him — and Why?

Partisan divides

Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove: Pew found85% unfavorable among Democrats and only 12% favorable

Independents tend negative as well. From CNBC: Democrats’ net approval is –82, independents –49

Republican disillusionment

Even among GOP supporters, support is eroding. Quinnipiac found favorability down to 62% in June from 78% in March

Youth and the politically disengaged

Younger Americans show even sharper negativity: Pew reported 67% of those under 30 have an unfavorable view of Musk

Global disdain

British and European critics have similarly low opinions — for example80% of Brits viewed Musk unfavorably at one point

The Broader Implications

Musk’s fall from grace reflects not just personal unpopularity, but also widespread unease with tech oligarchy, political overreach, and erosion of corporate accountability.

His tenure at DOGE triggered fears of technocratic autocracy and unchecked private influence. Protests like Tesla Takedown and Guerrilla art campaigns underscore how public outrage can translate into organized resistance.

Moreover, the mix of policy protests, protest art, doxxing, and global backlash signals a broader cultural moment — one where elite figures are no longer insulated from collective frustration.

Conclusion: Most Hated or Misunderstood?

Claiming that Elon Musk is “the most hated man in America” is strong, but not hyperbole. Gallup’s 61% unfavorable rating crowns him as the most disliked public figure in current American polls . This sentiment spans ideological lines: from liberals condemning perceived authoritarianism, to disillusioned conservatives weary of his political volatility.

While some demographic pockets continue to admire his visionary persona, the national trend is unmistakable: a public grappling with Musk’s power and presence, increasingly united by distrust and rejection.