Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Mar 3, 2025
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A recent poll reveals that many Americans feel the state of the union is weak, with significant discontent over President Trump's rapid policy changes. Voter demographics show particularly strong disapproval from independents. The influence of Elon Musk on Trump's reshaping of the government is examined, alongside implications for the Republican Party. Additionally, perspectives on U.S. support for Ukraine highlight concerns over Trump's foreign policy and admiration for authoritarian leaders, raising questions about the stability of democratic principles.
A majority of Americans believe Trump's rapid changes to the federal government are excessive, reflecting widespread apprehension about governance.
Concerns over economic issues persist, as many voters anticipate rising costs, aligning poorly with Trump's promises to improve fiscal conditions.
Deep dives
Trump's Approval Rating and Economic Concerns
Donald Trump's current approval rating stands at 45%, which is notably lower than that of any previous president in the past 80 years. This rating reflects a deeply divided American public, particularly in terms of independents, where only 34% express approval of his presidency. Many voters remain concerned about economic issues, especially rising prices, with 57% expecting costs to increase in the coming months. This sentiment highlights a disconnect between Trump's campaign promises to address economic hardships and the continuing worries of the electorate regarding inflation and the cost of living.
Public Sentiment on Foreign Policy and Ukraine
Recent polling reveals that many Americans hold mixed feelings about the U.S. support for Ukraine, with 37% believing that support is insufficient and 34% feeling it is excessive. A significant portion of the population (65%) prefers either to maintain or increase support rather than reduce it, indicating widespread backing for traditional allies amid ongoing conflicts. Trump's foreign policy approach, which appears to align with autocratic leaders, contrasts sharply with prevailing public opinion that leans towards supporting Ukraine and condemning Putin's actions. This misalignment showcases the challenges Trump faces as he navigates complex international relationships while prioritizing his own policy agenda.
Concerns About Checks and Balances
A concerning statistic shows that 56% of Americans believe the system of checks and balances within the government is not functioning effectively, indicating a significant crisis of confidence in democratic institutions. This view is particularly prominent among Democrats and independents, while Republicans predominantly support Trump's perceived expansion of executive power. The shift towards a unitary executive has implications for the legislative and judicial branches, with Trump and his allies advocating for substantial control over these entities. This dynamic raises critical questions about the future of governance and the potential for unchecked presidential power in the United States.
In a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, a majority of respondents think the state of the union is not strong, and that President Trump is moving too quickly in trying to reshape the federal government.
This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
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