Elon Musk’s involvement in government initiatives seems to have adversely affected the public perception of his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. According to a recent Axios Harris Poll 100, which surveyed approximately 16,500 U.S. adults from 2015 to 2025, Tesla’s reputation has significantly declined. Once ranked eighth in 2021, the electric vehicle giant has dropped to 95th place, sliding from 63rd just last year. This decline is highlighted by the fact that six other car manufacturers now rank higher than Tesla.
The poll specifically assessed companies based on aspects such as “character,” where Tesla ranked last, and it also received low scores in “ethics” and “citizenship.” Although SpaceX primarily serves a different market, its public image has similarly diminished, with its rating falling from ‘excellent’ to a status of merely ‘fair,’ hovering towards ‘poor.’
Additionally, the platform X (formerly Twitter), which Musk took over in 2022, continues to experience struggles in user perception, reflecting a broader trend in Musk’s reputation. Notably, his standing within certain political circles, particularly the Trump-affiliated “Trumpworld,” appears to have slipped significantly, as he is rarely mentioned.
This shift in reputation poses challenges for both Tesla and SpaceX as they navigate public expectations and corporate ethics. As these companies strive to recover, it may be beneficial for them to focus on transparency and community engagement to rebuild trust.
Even amid these challenges, there remains an opportunity for Musk and his companies to refocus their missions and regain the public’s favor through innovative practices and a commitment to ethical standards. By addressing the concerns highlighted in the poll, both Tesla and SpaceX could potentially restore their reputations over time.