Washington, D.C., April 14, 2025 – A claim circulating on social media that 81% of people support Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been called into question by recent polling data. The figure appears to stem from a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted from February 26 to 28, which found that 81% of Republicans believe Musk and DOGE should have significant influence over government spending, as reported by Newsweek. However, overall public support is far less clear, with broader polls showing a divided or negative sentiment.
The CBS poll revealed that only 54% of Americans overall think DOGE should have “a lot” or “some” influence, with 59% of Independents and far fewer Democrats agreeing. Other surveys paint a starker picture. A Quinnipiac University poll on March 14 found 54% of voters believe DOGE is harming the country, with 60% disapproving of Musk’s handling of the federal workforce. A Marquette University Law School poll released April 6 reported majority disapproval of Musk and DOGE, particularly after a Musk-backed candidate lost a Wisconsin state Supreme Court election. A Poynter analysis of six polls on March 10 further confirmed that DOGE’s support is split at best, with only Republicans consistently in favor.
Musk has touted DOGE’s popularity on X, claiming on March 2 that “the American people like what they see,” citing a poll showing 76% support for investigating government waste. However, this poll didn’t address DOGE’s specific actions, such as firing federal workers or accessing sensitive data, which have sparked backlash. Protests at town halls and lawsuits challenging DOGE’s operations, as reported by The Washington Post on March 10, reflect growing public discontent.
While a Harvard CAPS-Harris poll from February 19-20 showed 72% of Americans support an agency focused on government efficiency, it didn’t specifically endorse DOGE. The disconnect between general support for efficiency and approval of DOGE’s methods highlights the polarized reception of Musk’s role in the Trump administration. Critics argue DOGE’s cuts have gone too far, while supporters, primarily Republicans, applaud its mission to streamline government.
As of April 14, the narrative of widespread support for DOGE appears overstated. While some Americans favor reducing waste, Musk and DOGE face significant disapproval, particularly among non-Republicans, with overall sentiment leaning negative. The 81% figure reflects a partisan view, not a national consensus, underscoring the challenges Musk faces in winning broader approval for his efficiency crusade.
