Elon Musk’s name alone is prompting Nashville residents to oppose his tunnel project, survey shows

(SeaPRwire) –   The Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk, is constructing tunnels beneath Nashville, and local residents are expressing dissatisfaction—especially with Musk’s involvement.

According to a recent Vanderbilt University survey, 35% of Nashville residents were generally against the proposal to utilize Tesla vehicles, operated by trained drivers, to shuttle passengers between downtown Nashville and Nashville International Airport through the Boring Company’s subterranean Music City Loop.

However, when researchers specifically referenced Musk by name, opposition to the project increased to 51%—representing a narrow majority.

Researchers concluded that “public backing for Elon Musk’s tunnel project is significantly impacted by political affiliation,” highlighting the extent to which Musk’s political actions now influence public opinion regarding his private commercial enterprises.

The Boring Company did not promptly reply to ‘s inquiry for a statement.

The gap between these results demonstrates Musk’s divisive nature, persisting even after he withdrew from direct engagement with the Trump administration. He had previously invested nearly $300 million to help elect President Donald Trump and subsequently led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a government cost-reduction program, before exiting the role last May.

Although DOGE was terminated as a governmental body late last year, it had overseen the termination of approximately 300,000 federal employees, reducing the federal workforce to its smallest size in over ten years, per the Cato Institute. DOGE additionally reduced funding for multiple agencies and effectively dismantled USAID, the foreign aid organization, by eliminating 80% of its programs and integrating the remaining functions into the State Department.

Further expansion in the works

In July, Musk’s Boring Company announced intentions to construct 20 miles of tunnels below existing highways to move passengers between Nashville International Airport and downtown’s lower Broadway in approximately 10 minutes. According to a press release, the loop will eliminate thousands of cars from surface streets each day and is fully privately financed. The venture is projected to cost the company between $200 million and $300 million.

The Boring Company launched its inaugural underground loop project, the Las Vegas Loop, in 2021. The system comprises 11 stations, including the Las Vegas Convention Center and Resorts World. While the company ultimately aims to construct a 104-station tunnel network under Las Vegas, the initiative has been beset by safety problems, accidents, and controversies. Earlier this month, two Nevada regulators sent a letter to Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo requesting a “comprehensive plan” to tackle issues with the tunneling project, reported.

Regarding Nashville, despite evident resident opposition and a vote by Nashville’s city council earlier this month to officially reject the project, the Music City Loop is moving nearer to construction commencement after the Convention Center Authority approved an easement allowing the Boring Company to tunnel under the privately-owned Music City Center, advancing its objective of linking downtown Nashville with the airport.

Nevertheless, the Vanderbilt survey results may indicate challenges on the horizon as the company expands—it announced this week that it is evaluating potential projects in New Orleans, Baltimore, Maryland, and Dallas, Texas.