Americans disapprove of Elon Musk's role in government

In the United States, recent developments have raised concerns about Elon Musk's influence within the federal government. Under the guidance of President Donald Trump, Musk has overseen the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has aimed to cut costs by reducing the federal workforce. There has been a noticeable rise in discontent among the public, as many believe that the hasty approach to downsizing has led to significant operational issues and mistakes within various agencies. Polls indicate that the majority of respondents disapprove of Musk's handling of federal programs, with nearly 63 percent expressing concern about the access DOGE staffers have to sensitive data, including Social Security and Medicare information. Such concern over privacy and data security has contributed to a widespread perception that Musk's tactics have crossed a line, leaving many feeling uncertain about their government's management. The rapid changes have created a chaotic work environment, with certain sectors scrambling to re-hire essential employees after sudden cuts. For instance, the USDA recently admitted to mistakenly firing employees who were vital to addressing the avian flu outbreak. These actions have not gone unnoticed, as Musk's popularity appears to be in decline among Americans. The sentiment around his role has shifted significantly, with polls revealing that only 28 percent of respondents view his involvement as beneficial. A closer look at the polling results shows a stark divide in opinion on whether Musk holds too much power, with 55 percent of participants expressing concern. Overall, it seems that the initial enthusiasm for Musk's approach to government efficiency is waning, making it unclear what the future holds for DOGE and its objectives.