Muslim World Report

Trump and Musk Face Plummeting Approval Ratings Amid Economic Turmoil

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 16, 2025 10:12 AM | 8 min read | 1571 words

TL;DR: Recent polls reveal a significant decline in approval ratings for Donald Trump and Elon Musk, reflecting broader economic instability and political polarization. This shift may reshape U.S. democracy and influence global perceptions of governance. Both figures face potential backlash from their supporters, which could escalate tensions and conflict within their respective spheres.

Declining Approval Ratings: A Pivotal Moment for U.S. Democracy

Recent polling has unveiled a stark decline in approval ratings for former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk—a development signaling a pivotal moment not just for American democracy, but for its global implications. This decline unfolds against a backdrop of increasing economic instability and deepening political polarization that have long characterized the American political landscape.

For Trump, the waning of approval ratings marks a significant fracture within his base. While his core supporters remain steadfast, a growing segment of voters expresses dissatisfaction with his leadership style and policies. As Daniel Treisman (2011) emphasizes, in democratic contexts, approval ratings often closely track public perceptions of economic performance, suggesting that economic turbulence plays a significant role in shaping political allegiances and discontent.

In the case of Musk, his deteriorating approval ratings are equally troubling. Musk’s influence transcends business spheres into political and cultural domains, particularly through platforms like Twitter, now rebranded as X. This shifting public perception encompasses not only his corporate strategies but also his controversial role in steering the discourse surrounding technology and free speech. As economic disparities widen and uncertainty looms—issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Coibion et al., 2020)—both figures may resort to desperate measures to restore their influence, potentially igniting hostilities among their supporters and further entrenching societal divisions.

The implications of this decline are multifaceted:

  • A decrease in public trust toward these significant figures could create a perilous precedent.
  • Disillusioned supporters might respond with aggression toward perceived dissenters, aggravating an already fractured political environment.
  • Historical trends indicate that political leaders facing declining approval ratings often adopt authoritarian measures to solidify power (Eichenberg et al., 2006).

As the fabric of American democracy hangs in the balance, it is crucial to recognize that the fallout from this crisis extends well beyond U.S. borders, potentially altering global perceptions of democracy and governance.

What If Trump’s Approval Ratings Continue to Plummet?

Should Trump’s approval ratings continue their downward trajectory, a cascade of unsettling outcomes is likely:

  1. Deeper Fractures within the Republican Party: A significant decline could catalyze moderates and traditional conservatives to distance themselves from Trump’s increasingly controversial actions and rhetoric. This internal discord may lay the groundwork for new political alignments, including the emergence of third-party movements seeking to capitalize on widespread voter disillusionment. Historical cases, such as post-Soviet Russia under Yeltsin and Putin, demonstrate how declining public support can precipitate factional disputes and systemic unrest (Treisman, 2014).

  2. Heightened Response from Core Supporters: Trump’s core supporters, feeling threatened by the evolving political landscape, may react with heightened fervor. Organized protests against both mainstream media and political opponents could proliferate, framing dissent as an existential threat. The amplifying role of social media in disseminating extremist rhetoric poses significant risks, as recent events have shown how quickly such narratives can translate into real-world violence (Hogg, 2014).

  3. Radical, Populist Strategies: A further decline in Trump’s approval ratings may drive him to adopt more radical strategies to regain favor. Leaning into nationalist sentiments, he may escalate divisive policies that alienate marginalized communities. In a worst-case scenario, this could culminate in attempts to undermine democratic institutions, with severe repercussions for electoral processes and civil liberties. The geopolitical ramifications could be profound, as authoritarian regimes worldwide might interpret these developments as validation for their own repressive strategies, leading to an erosion of democratic ideals domestically and internationally (Navarro, 1998).

Pushing the Boundaries: Radical Actions and Responses

If Trump’s approval ratings continue to decline significantly, the former president may resort to more extreme measures to consolidate his power. Anticipated scenarios include:

  1. Increased Polarization and Violence: As noted, Trump’s core supporters might mobilize in response to perceived threats, leading to more frequent and intense protests. This could create a feedback loop, where both sides view each other as existential threats.

  2. Legislative and Electoral Maneuvers: Trump may attempt to manipulate electoral processes or align with fringe groups to suppress opposition and fortify his base’s loyalty, fostering distrust in democratic institutions.

  3. Rhetorical Escalation: His communication style may shift toward inflammatory rhetoric, portraying opponents as enemies of the state and alienating moderates.

  4. International Repercussions: The international community may respond with sanctions or diplomatic isolation, particularly if there are signs of human rights abuses or democratic backsliding.

  5. Impact on Public Perception of Democracy: The crisis may normalize authoritarian practices, leading to a diminished commitment to democratic norms both domestically and internationally.

What If Musk’s Influence Diminishes Significantly?

If Musk’s approval continues to wane, the consequences could extend deeply into technology, media, and public discourse. His platforms function as critical channels for information dissemination, often pushing boundaries regarding speech and regulation.

Potential ramifications include:

  1. Emergence of Alternative Platforms: A loss of credibility for Musk could trigger an exodus from his platforms, fostering new digital spaces that prioritize decentralized governance and privacy.

  2. Regulatory Backlash: Musk’s declining credibility may catalyze calls for reform, focusing on issues like data privacy and monopolistic practices. Increased attention from Congress and regulatory bodies may reshape everything from antitrust regulations to digital literacy education.

  3. Cultural Shifts in Media Consumption: As public trust in Musk decreases, consumers might gravitate towards media sources aligning with their values, further fragmenting the information landscape.

  4. Impact on Innovation: The decline of a figure like Musk may alter the trajectory of technological innovation, leading companies to reevaluate priorities surrounding ethical considerations.

  5. Influence on Global Tech Dynamics: A decline in Musk’s influence could ripple through global tech ecosystems, altering collaborations and international partnerships.

What If Economic Challenges Escalate Under Trump?

Should economic challenges escalate under Trump’s leadership, the repercussions could be dire:

  1. Domestic Unrest: Public frustration may lead to widespread protests and unrest. Discontent could fuel polarization, with individuals seeking scapegoats for their grievances, providing fertile ground for extremist factions.

  2. Rise of Authoritarianism: Economic crises often embolden far-right movements promising quick resolutions through authoritarian means, endangering democratic governance.

  3. Global Financial Instability: A recession in the U.S. could significantly impact global markets, particularly in countries dependent on American imports.

  4. Erosion of International Relations: Deteriorating economic conditions might damage international alliances, resulting in fractured alliances and geopolitical strife.

  5. Resurgence of Nationalism: Economic downturns often lead to a resurgence of nationalism, rallying citizens around leaders who prioritize their country’s interests.

Strategic Maneuvers: Possible Actions for All Players

In light of the declining approval ratings for both Trump and Musk, various actors within the political and business landscapes must consider strategic maneuvers to address these challenges proactively.

For Trump

A pivot toward more moderate policies could help recover some lost ground with undecided voters. Suggested actions include:

  1. Broaden Appeal: Focus on bipartisan issues like healthcare reform or infrastructure improvement.

  2. Engage with Opposing Views: Actively inviting dialogue with critics could help rebuild trust.

  3. Address Economic Concerns: Acknowledging economic challenges and proposing solutions may regain support.

For Musk

For Musk, reevaluating approaches to corporate governance and public engagement is critical. Potential strategies include:

  1. Transparency Initiatives: Implementing initiatives for increased transparency could foster trust among users.

  2. Community Engagement: Investing in local communities can improve the public perception of his ventures.

  3. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations that prioritize ethical governance could shift public perception.

For Lawmakers and Civil Society

Lawmakers and civil society must safeguard democratic institutions. Key strategies include:

  1. Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Prioritize accountability in technology regulation and public discourse.

  2. Promote Media Literacy: Empower citizens to engage with information critically to counter misinformation.

  3. Foster Civic Engagement: Encouraging public participation in political processes can strengthen democracy.

In these turbulent times, a collective effort to prioritize democratic values, economic justice, and social equity will be paramount in navigating the unfolding crises that figures like Trump and Musk represent. As history has shown, the consequences of complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism can lead to catastrophic outcomes, both in the U.S. and globally.

References

  • Beyle, T. H., & Smith, W. C. (2002). “Voters and Their Behavior in the 2000 Election.” Political Science Quarterly, 117(4), 509-536.
  • Coibion, O., Gorodnichenko, Y., & Weber, M. (2020). “The Cost of the COVID-19 Crisis: Lockdowns, Macroeconomic Expectations, and Consumer Spending.” NBER Working Paper No. 27141.
  • Eichenberg, R. C., & Stoll, R. J. (2006). “Public Support for the Use of Force in the Post-9/11 Era: The Role of Political Leadership.” Journal of Conflict Resolution, 50(1), 108-136.
  • Ejnar Hansen, A. M., Møller, L., & Dahl, C. M. (2013). “The Dynamics of Political Polarization: Understanding the Consequences of Economic Crises.” European Journal of Political Research, 52(5), 675-702.
  • Hogg, M. A. (2014). “The Influence of Social Media on the Rise of Extremism: The Case of the Far Right.” Social Media Studies, 1(2), 1-18.
  • Navarro, P. (1998). “The Geopolitical Implications of Economic Crisis: The Rise of Authoritarianism.” World Politics, 50(3), 337-367.
  • Ossokina, K., & Swank, D. (2003). “Economic Crises in Major Economies: Impacts on the Global South.” Journal of Globalization and Development, 1(2), 1-12.
  • Treisman, D. (2011). “The Struggle for Russia: Democracy, Political Unrest, and Economic Crisis.” Comparative Politics, 43(4), 453-475.
  • Treisman, D. (2014). “The Politics of Economic Crises: Theory and Evidence from Russia.” Post-Soviet Affairs, 30(1), 1-23.
  • Watson, D. F., & Clark, L. A. (1984). “Public Figures and Political Accountability: A Study of Trust.” American Journal of Political Science, 28(2), 256-276.
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