Ankara: A poll released Wednesday shows that 55% of Americans believe tech billionaire Elon Musk - a key ally of US President Donald Trump, and head of an unofficial team tasked with cutting the US federal government budget - has too much power in influencing decisions that affect the nation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Quinnipiac University survey, conducted from February 3 to 17 with 1,039 registered voters, revealed that a majority of respondents feel Musk wields excessive power over national decisions. In contrast, 36% believe he has an appropriate level of influence, while only 3% think he has too little.

The survey highlighted partisan differences in perceptions of Musk's influence. Among Democratic respondents, 96% agree that Musk has excessive power, compared to 56% of independents and just 16% of Republicans. Additionally, 1% of Democrats, 33% of independents, and 78% of Republicans believe Musk has an appropriate level of power. Meanwhile, 4% of independents and 1% of Republicans feel he has too little influence.

Trump last month appointed Musk to lead the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency with the stated aim of eliminating wasteful spending. The move has proved controversial, particularly due to plans to significantly reduce the number of government employees and eliminate popular agencies. Concerns have also been raised over Musk gaining access to sensitive government data on the public with minimal oversight and no apparent authorization.