NewsMusk's empire under siege as public trust dwindles

Musk's empire under siege as public trust dwindles

The reputation of Elon Musk's companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX, has plummeted in the Harrison Poll rankings, reflecting a loss of consumer trust.

The decline in reputation of Elon Musk's companies: Tesla and SpaceX at the bottom of the ranking
The decline in reputation of Elon Musk's companies: Tesla and SpaceX at the bottom of the ranking
Images source: © Getty Images | The Washington Post
Danuta Pałęga

The standing of key Elon Musk companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, has significantly declined in the Harrison Poll rankings, as reported by the portal "Axios". Notably, Tesla, which secured 8th place in 2021, now finds itself at the 95th position.

The Harrison Poll ranking, which covers 100 positions, indicates that Musk's companies, including SpaceX, are nearing the bottom of the list. Platform X, although declining at a slower rate, is also losing value.

According to "Axios", the loss of customer trust is less problematic for SpaceX, as it does not directly engage with consumers in the USA.

Survey respondents noted that Musk's companies, much like those associated with Donald Trump’s family, are viewed as "politically divisive". The differences in ratings are evident depending on the respondents' political leanings. Among Republicans, Musk's companies receive 30% higher ratings than among Democrats.

Musk's political activity

"Axios" comments that Musk's political involvement has negatively impacted his businesses, which are no longer seen as "trusted brands". The "Washington Post" reports that Musk, being a close advisor to Trump, has alienated even his supporters, and his advisors regard him as a troublesome liability for the administration.

Tesla has become a target of attacks in Europe and the USA, sometimes escalating to vandalism. The company announced that its earnings in the first quarter of this year fell by 71%. Musk, in a conversation with investors, claimed that protests against Tesla are funded by groups benefiting from "wasteful generosity".

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