In recent years, Elon Musk's public image has undergone a dramatic transformation. Gone are the days when he was seen as an environmentally conscious entrepreneur fighting against fossil fuels. Instead, he has morphed into a conservative activist, aligned with former President Donald Trump. This radical shift has left many wondering what happened to the Musk they once admired.

According to a national NBC News poll conducted in September 2022, only 6% of Democrats have positive feelings towards Musk, while a staggering 79% have negative feelings. The numbers are flipped for Republicans, with 62% having positive feelings and 14% negative.

The irony is that Musk's brand, once synonymous with innovation and revolution, has become increasingly polarizing. His actions, such as embracing divisive ideologies and spreading false information, have alienated many of his former fans. His decision to buy Twitter, a move widely seen as an attempt to reshape the very fabric of social media, has further exacerbated the issue.

"It's a damaged brand," said Jeff Horwitt, a Democratic pollster. "If you didn't see the name and just saw the numbers, you'd say he looks like a typical national Republican politician." Horwitt believes that Musk's actions have created a real problem, as his ratings are now tied to a divisive figure.

Musk's transformation into a conservative activist has also been accompanied by a surge in extremist content on social media platforms. His personal endorsement of antisemitic conspiracy theories, as well as his promotion of false claims about nonwhite airline pilots and immigration, have all contributed to a negatively perceived public image.

Overall, Musk's public support has plummeted, with 34% holding positive views and 45% negative views. This represents the worst result for Musk in four separate NBC News polls over the past three years.

Musk's Downfall: From Hero to Zero, How His Polarizing Image Damaged His Brand

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