Elon Musk, supported by President Trump, has rapidly cut thousands of federal jobs, weakened the U.S. Agency for International Development, and suspended health research efforts. These actions are facing legal challenges, and some Republican lawmakers encounter backlash from constituents. Public opinions are mixed: some support Musk’s cost-cutting motives, while others question his authority and fear his influence leads to undemocratic practices. Critics urge transparency and caution regarding the implications of his swift reforms, while supporters hope they will help reduce government waste. As reactions vary, many remain uncertain about the long-term impact of Musk’s involvement in government.
With unexpected haste and backing from President Trump, billionaire Elon Musk and the staff of his newly established cost-reduction organization have dismissed thousands of federal employees, dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, and paused numerous health research projects.
Many of these rapid alterations to the federal system are currently facing legal challenges. Additionally, over the weekend, some Republican Congress members encountered frustrated constituents during their district visits.
Reporters from The Times surveyed a wide range of individuals from both political parties across the nation about Mr. Musk’s involvement in government thus far. Below are some reactions, featuring those who embraced the quick changes, others who voiced apprehensions regarding Mr. Musk’s influence, and several who seemed confused by the actions of an unelected entrepreneur.
Damian Conley, 51, Caledonia, Wis.
Voted for Trump in 2024
“If he’s doing what he claims — identifying government waste and cutting unnecessary expenses — I’m fully supportive, as our deficit can’t continue as it has,” Mr. Conley commented about Mr. Musk.
“However, if he’s just gaming the system and eliminating crucial programs, then I would have issues with it.” Mr. Conley, who voted for Barack Obama before abstaining in 2016 and 2020, mentioned that he is still observing developments. “It’s too early in the administration to predict outcomes.”
Matt Shockley, 54, Tucker County, W.Va.
Voted for Trump
“He’s merely an employee,” said Mr. Shockley regarding Mr. Musk: if he performs poorly, he will be dismissed. “Focus on his actions, not his words and the absurd chainsaw antics.”
Emily Ainaire, 33, Dover, N.H.
Voted for Kamala Harris
“I’m puzzled as to why more individuals aren’t questioning this and are merely allowing it to unfold,” she remarked. “He was just inserted into this role, and everyone said, ‘Okay.’”
David Hite, 63, Bay Area, Calif.
Voted for Harris
“Is he suited for this role? I’m uncertain, but adjustments to decrease debt and spending are necessary,” Mr. Hite expressed. “I’d prefer these choices to be made transparently, thoroughly explained, and the underlying data made available actively.”
Michael Borg, 61, Loudoun County, Va.
Voted for Trump
“I believe he’s pointed out important issues, like with U.S.A.I.D. and other agencies, but I also think U.S.A.I.D. has contributed positively as well,” said Mr. Borg, who initially opposed Mr. Trump in 2015 before supporting him in 2024. “There has to be equilibrium. The pendulum has swung for decades in one direction, and now it’s shifted to the other. I think we’ll find a balance.”
Scott Meyer, 62, Davis, W.Va.
Voted for Trump
“I chuckled at the outrage regarding how Elon has access to personal data,” said Mr. Meyer. “Have people forgotten his history with PayPal and similar platforms, and how they freely shared their information? They didn’t consider that signing up for services like Zelle involved giving up data, something they do routinely without a second thought.”
Maggie Keane, 32, Thomas, W.V.
Voted for Harris
“He’s not an elected leader. This clearly feels like overreach. Elon is just a wealthy individual taking charge, which doesn’t seem democratic to me.”
Katrina Co, 43, Norcross, Ga.
Voted for Harris
“He shouldn’t be dismantling our government in this manner. Both he and Donald Trump are actively undermining the government for their own twisted motivations.”
Dannie Hinton, 60, Louisville, Ky.
Voted for Trump
“I feel conflicted,” Mr. Hinton noted, expressing that while he trusts Mr. Trump, Mr. Musk occasionally unsettles him. “He is a genius businessman, but I’m unsure of his true intentions. Everyone in politics needs to clarify their objectives.”
Elliot Baker, 75, Portsmouth, N.H.
Voted for Harris
“Elon Musk is an exceptionally intelligent individual, and we require brilliance. He’s an innovator who has developed numerous beneficial inventions. However, I think he may be getting lost in his own superhero narrative. And with power, there comes corruption.”
Ken Gordon, 64, Monterey, Calif.
Did not vote
“If they didn’t proceed in this manner, would any progress have been made?” asked Mr. Gordon, who supported Mr. Trump in 2016, Mr. Biden in 2020, and did not vote in 2024. “Or would we just be sitting around debating instead of taking direct action to cut necessary budgets?”
He added: “If we’re too gentle, I doubt it would yield results.”
Bob Beaudette, 79, Phoenix, Ariz.
Voted for Trump
“If he is genuinely uncovering fraud, more power to him. Identifying Social Security payments to centenarians, if someone still receives checks, that’s absurd,” he said, recognizing that some allegations of abuse, such as payments to the elderly, have been contested. “Hopefully, the truth will unfold.”
Noah Beljaars, 21, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Voted for Harris
“My father voted Republican and has a more optimistic perspective on Musk. I consider his actions to be unconstitutional at the very least, and he seems to be on the verge of authoritarianism.”
Tim Schock, 58, Spring Valley, Calif.
Did not vote
“It’s fine for us to undergo audits, but not for the government? Too bad. I’m the employer, and they’re the employees,” said Mr. Schock, who would have voted for Mr. Trump but was out of state during the election. “If 45 cents on every dollar I earn is going to various projects, I have the right to know where it’s going. If I’m not satisfied, I can decide not to contribute.”
Mariana Cardenas, 43, Chula Vista, Calif.
Did not vote
“I believe he’s incredibly smart at what he does, but I don’t think he belongs in that position,” said Ms. Cardenas, a green card holder who immigrated from Mexico in 2000. “As my grandmother used to say, a shoemaker should stick to making shoes. Shoemaker, go back to making shoes!”