A new Gallup poll has named Pope Leo XIV as the most popular newsmaker in the United States…
A new Gallup poll has named Pope Leo XIV as the most popular newsmaker in the United States, with a net favorability of +46 as of July. The survey found that 57% of Americans view him favorably, while only 11% hold an unfavorable opinion. He was also the only prominent figure to enjoy positive ratings from both major political parties.
At the opposite end, billionaire Elon Musk recorded the lowest net favorability, dropping to -28 — five points lower than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The poll showed Musk’s image falling from 43% favorable and 47% unfavorable last year to 33% favorable and 61% unfavorable now. This represents a 24-point decline in net favorability, shifting from -4 to -28.
While the survey did not detail reasons for Musk’s fall, analysts note that his alignment with President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election alienated Democrats, while a later feud with Trump hurt his standing among Republicans. The X owner’s public controversies have also eroded his image across several demographics.