President Trump’s approval ratings have seen some instability recently, particularly after a recent spat with Elon Musk, which followed a slight improvement earlier.
According to the latest figures from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill Average, Trump’s approval stands at 47.5%, while disapproval ratings have climbed to 49.5%. This is a drop of two points in his net approval, which had briefly entered positive territory for the first time since early March.
Additionally, his net favorability rating has declined, now sitting at 6.4 points underwater, down from 4.5 points.
Trump’s approval ratings had been fluctuating since he started his second term, initially showing promise as he approached his inauguration’s 100th day. In contrast, on June 5th, he did manage to have higher approval than disapproval, but that has shifted again.
Much of this recent volatility seems to stem from tensions with Musk, who had previously been a significant ally during Trump’s 2024 campaign and early presidency.
Musk has openly criticized Trump’s proposed “big beautiful bill” for its potential to increase national debt, branding it as “a disgusting hatred” in posts on X. His financial support for Trump in 2024 was substantial.
Moreover, Musk has raised concerns about Trump’s past legal issues, labeling him a convicted sex offender with ties to Jeffrey Epstein. However, he later expressed regret for the harshness of his comments about Trump, mentioning on X that he felt he’d “gone too far.” Trump, in a response to the New York Post, has suggested that a reconciliation could be possible but it’s not something he prioritizes right now.
Interestingly, while Trump’s ratings have dipped, Musk might be facing an even steeper decline in public support due to the fallout from their conflict. His favor ratings, already suffering from his management of Government Efficiency initiatives that led to federal job cuts, have dropped significantly—by over five points in just a week, moving from minus 7.9 to minus 13.2 points.
A YouGov/Economist poll indicated that Musk’s net favorability among Republicans has plummeted by 20 points, falling from 59% to 39%. His ratings have dipped nearly 10 points among independents and Democrats, showcasing a broader loss of support.
