Elon Musk is still considered one of the most influential technology entrepreneurs of his time – spanning electric vehicles, space exploration and artificial intelligence. Yet recent surveys show that in 2025, Musk has become one of the least-liked tech leaders worldwide among experts and internet users. According to an analysis by Cybernews, Musk ranked ahead of other high-profile industry CEOs such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAI chief Sam Altman, recording particularly high rejection scores in multiple polls.
Why the negative ratings?
The critical perception is driven by several factors. In a survey of around 50 industry experts, Musk was labeled the “King of Digital Deception” – a tech leader seen as having a particularly negative impact on trust and quality in digital information. This includes his public attacks on platforms like Wikipedia, his role in the controversial AI chatbot Grok and the disputed Grokipedia project, launched as a Wikipedia alternative but criticized for unreliable sources.
He also came out on top in a LinkedIn poll in which users were asked to vote for the “worst tech leader of 2025,” winning by a clear margin against other well-known figures. Although such surveys are not scientifically representative, they illustrate how Musk’s standing within the tech ecosystem has deteriorated – especially among digital decision-makers and online communities.
Another factor is Musk’s broader public role, which has taken on an increasingly political dimension since his involvement in government initiatives, including leadership of the newly formed U.S. Department of Government Efficiency. His handling of his platform X (formerly Twitter) also remains a flashpoint in ongoing debates about content moderation, algorithms and digital responsibility.
Tech stars under opinion pressure
Musk is not alone in facing image challenges. Other prominent tech leaders also ranked poorly: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recorded high negative sentiment in a Gallup poll, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman has faced criticism as well, though to a lesser extent. Overall, only around one quarter of American adults currently say they have high confidence in major tech corporations – signaling a broader trust issue across the industry.
For entrepreneurs, executives and communication leaders, the development sends a clear signal: reputation and public perception have become scarce resources, even for technological pioneers. In a world where public positioning, political proximity and digital responsibility are deeply intertwined, a CEO’s words and actions influence far more than product perception – they increasingly shape trust, brand value and social credibility.
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