FiveThirtyEight Politics
What Americans Think About Trump's Plans
Jan 27, 2025
Elliot Morris, Director of Data Analytics, and Ruth Agelnik, Polling editor at the New York Times, dive into the fascinating disconnect between Trump’s personal unpopularity and the surprising popularity of his policies on DEI and immigration. They dissect how public opinion has shifted since 2017, revealing the nuances in how polling questions can shape responses. With insights on the complexities of voter sentiment, they explore how Trump's strategies may adapt based on these evolving public attitudes.
37:31
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Quick takeaways
- Public opinion on DEI initiatives reveals a significant complexity where question wording can drastically alter perceptions and preferences.
- Americans generally support stricter immigration measures but show strong resistance to extreme policies affecting vulnerable populations, like family separations.
Deep dives
Polling Challenges on Diversity and Inclusion Policies
Public opinion on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives reveals a complex landscape where responses can vary significantly based on question wording and context. One poll indicated a strong preference for merit-based hiring, while another found that a majority supported increasing DEI efforts at work. The discrepancy demonstrates the difficulties in accurately gauging public sentiment around these policies, especially as many Americans grappling with the nuances of DEI may not have fully formed opinions. The ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives is compounded by the fact that public opinion polling often reflects more about the framing of questions than the underlying beliefs of the respondents.
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