Elon Musk’s political involvement has significantly impacted his public perception, with CNN’s Harry Enten describing him as “political poison.” Enten’s analysis highlights a dramatic decline in Musk’s favorability, particularly among Democrats and independents.

A Stark Decline in Favorability

Musk’s favorability rating has plummeted from +24 in 2017 to -19 in 2025. Among Democrats, his net favorability has dropped from +35 to -91, a shift of over 120 points. Independents have also turned against him, with his rating falling from +17 to -17. Even Republicans, while still favorable, show less enthusiasm, with a net favorability of +52 compared to Trump’s +76 .

The Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A Turning Point

Musk’s involvement in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where he invested over $19 million, ended in defeat. The Democratic candidate won by a significant margin, and Musk’s presence in the state was seen as detrimental to Republican prospects. Enten noted that Musk’s participation in swing states could harm Republican candidates, stating, “He is political poison!”

Public Backlash and Corporate Impact

Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his political activities have led to protests and vandalism of Tesla properties. His actions, including advocating for significant government spending cuts, have sparked widespread criticism and contributed to a decline in Tesla’s stock value .

A Shift in Strategy

In response to the backlash, Musk has announced plans to reduce his political spending and focus more on his business ventures. He stated that he believes he has “done enough” in terms of political contributions and currently sees no reason for further spending .

Despite these efforts, Enten’s analysis underscores the significant damage to Musk’s public image, suggesting that his political involvement has had lasting negative effects on his favorability ratings.