The GOP has mixed feelings about Elon Musk right now.
Republicans in Congress are split over tech mogul Elon Musk’s involvement in President Trump’s efforts to cut down the size of the federal government. Some GOP members are uneasy about Musk’s growing influence, especially as he faces increasing criticism from the left. With inflation still a major concern for many American families, some Republicans worry that Musk’s push to reduce federal jobs could hurt the working-class voters who rely on government employment in their states.
While Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has defended Musk’s leadership, arguing that the tech billionaire brings a fresh perspective to federal reform, other Republicans have expressed frustration with the way things are unfolding. They argue that Musk’s approach seems more about reducing headcount than improving efficiency. Several GOP senators have criticized the execution of Musk’s buyout offer, which included generous severance packages but was poorly communicated to federal employees.
One senator remarked that Musk’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce may not take into account the long-term consequences for the agencies involved. Another senator from a state with a large number of federal employees said that his constituents were confused and concerned about the impact on their jobs and families. These worries are compounded by Musk’s more controversial actions, including his call for judicial impeachments when federal courts blocked some of Trump’s executive orders.
Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has not gone unnoticed in polling. A recent survey shows that both independent and moderate voters disapprove of Musk’s handling of federal agencies by significant margins. This disapproval is particularly concerning for Republican senators facing tough re-election battles in swing states.
Musk’s bold, often combative public persona has only added fuel to the fire. Many Republican lawmakers are uneasy about Musk’s wide-reaching access to sensitive federal information, as well as his sometimes incendiary social media presence. At the same time, some within the party continue to defend his reform efforts, arguing that drastic change is necessary in an outdated, inefficient bureaucracy. For example, Sen. Thune has praised Musk’s willingness to shake up the system, describing his actions as long overdue.
While Republicans are divided on how much influence Musk should have, some are reluctant to challenge his authority, recognizing the growing frustration among voters with the status quo. Even as concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential overreach of Musk’s power continue to surface, many within the GOP view his bold actions as emblematic of the change they believe is necessary to restore American greatness.