Elon Musk just added another chapter to his ongoing feud with the media. During a 90-minute interview with The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, the world’s first trillionaire was told that people‘loathe’him. His response? He didn’t just shrug it off, he fired back, claiming the media is hated even more. With a 2025 Gallup poll showing only 28% of Americans trust the news, Musk might have some data on his side.
But the numbers aren’t all on his side. A 2025 Pew survey found that 54% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Musk, thanks to his controversial comments on trans issues, messy family dynamics, and his role in turning X into a platform for intense political arguments. Still, with 250 million followers on X, he clearly has a loyal fanbase that tunes in for his unfiltered takes.
So who’s losing this PR war? It might be both sides. The media struggles with trust, and Musk struggles with likability among half the country. One thing is clear: this isn’t going away. Do you trust Elon Musk or the mainstream media more? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.