A majority of Americans now believe Elon Musk and major tech corporations have too much influence over the federal government, according to a UMass Amherst poll conducted earlier this month. The findings show that over 50% of respondents are wary of the power Musk wields in his current role as head of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), a new agency under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The survey also revealed a deep lack of trust in Musk’s impartiality. Around 59% of Americans say they doubt that Musk will avoid using his public position to advance his own financial interests. Since his appointment, Musk has pushed an aggressive agenda to reduce government spending by slashing programs and deregulating various sectors—moves that critics say benefit his own businesses.
Poll director Professor Tatishe Nteta said public opinion is turning fast. “People are questioning whether these budget cuts are legitimate savings or self-serving moves. The skepticism about Musk’s intentions is not going away.”
Political Backlash Over Tech Elites in Public Office
Lawmakers, particularly on the Democratic side, are starting to take action. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has called for stronger ethical guardrails on individuals like Musk. This week, she co-introduced legislation that would require background checks and conflict-of-interest reviews for special government employees appointed to federal roles.
Warren, a long-standing critic of unchecked power in both crypto and tech, also recently urged the Department of Justice to rethink its decision to shut down its cryptocurrency enforcement team.
Elon Musk has frequently blurred the line between government reform and private entrepreneurship. His support for Dogecoin and influence over the meme coin market continues to raise eyebrows, particularly as he helps steer public policy with broad regulatory implications.
Trump Adds to Controversy with Crypto-Infused Game
Adding to the mix, President Trump is making waves of his own. According to Fortune, Trump is preparing to launch a Monopoly-style real estate game incorporating cryptocurrencies, further intertwining politics, finance, and digital assets.
The poll underscores growing public unease over the merging of political power and technological influence. With both Musk and Trump increasingly entangled in the crypto and finance sectors, Americans are sounding the alarm on how deeply private interests may be guiding national governance.
