Trump didn’t see this coming.
A surprising new poll out of Utah — one of the most dependable Republican states in the entire country — is drawing national attention and raising questions about shifting political attitudes heading into the next election cycle. The Deseret News/Hinckley Institute survey shows that 52% of Utah voters believe President Donald Trump is using “too much power” as he pushes forward with his America First policy agenda.
This finding matters because Utah is a deeply conservative state, and any fluctuation in support could influence both state and national politics. For decades, Utah has been a reliable red state, consistently backing Republican leadership and supporting strong conservative policies.
White House Responds, Highlighting Trump’s Achievements
Following the release of the poll, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson pushed back strongly, emphasizing the president’s record of delivering for working Americans.
“President Trump has delivered real results. He secured the border, tackled Biden-era inflation, lowered drug prices, protected Social Security, ended taxes on overtime and tips, and deported criminal illegal aliens,” Jackson told Newsweek.
She went on to say that President Trump remains the architect of the America First movement and is focused on putting American workers, American families, and American values at the center of every decision.
Utah’s Long Republican History Meets a Changing Political Landscape
Utah has not supported a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964. In the 2024 election, Trump carried the Beehive State with 59.4% of the vote, outperforming his 2020 results. But a recent legal decision inside the state may be contributing to a temporary shift in political attitudes.
Earlier this month, a Utah judge approved a new congressional map that gives Democrats a stronger chance of capturing a seat. The Republican-drawn map was thrown out for failing to meet the state’s legal requirements. GOP leaders said the timing of the ruling made it nearly impossible to appeal, stirring frustration among Utah conservatives.
With Republicans holding only a 219–214 majority in the House, even minor losses in states like Utah could impact the GOP’s ability to advance key parts of Trump’s agenda during the next Congress.
Poll Numbers Show a Complex Picture
The poll offers detailed insight into Utah voter attitudes:
- 52% say Trump is using too much authority
- 31% believe he is using the appropriate amount
- 9% think he is using too little
- Among Utah Republicans, 29% believe the president is using too much power — higher than the 21% of Republicans nationally who feel the same
The poll was conducted among 607 registered Utah voters from November 8–12, with a margin of error of ±4%.
Trump’s Expanded Executive Actions Remain Popular With the Base
Since returning to the Oval Office in January, President Trump has utilized his executive authority to move quickly on immigration, border protection, federal funding reforms, and restoring law and order. He has deployed federal personnel to several states, signed dozens of executive orders, and taken steps aimed at reversing Biden-era policies that conservatives overwhelmingly opposed.
While critics are challenging some of these actions in court, Trump’s core base continues to support his bold, decisive leadership style, which many conservatives believe is necessary to restore stability.
National Polls Show Media-Driven Negativity — But Trump Pushes Forward
The Utah poll follows several national surveys that mainstream outlets have highlighted.
- A recent Economist/YouGov poll put Trump’s approval rating at 39%.
- A Fox News poll revealed 76% of voters hold a negative view of the economy — a lingering effect, many say, of Biden’s economic failures.
- Pollster Nate Silver notes Trump’s national disapproval is slightly higher now (55.9%) than at this point in his first term.
President Trump dismissed these polls on Truth Social, saying:
“So many Fake Polls… slanted toward Democrats and Far-Left Wingers. Fake News will never change. But as I look around, I’m sitting in the Oval Office!”
Judge’s Ruling on Utah Map Adds Fuel to the Debate
Judge Dianna Gibson’s decision struck down the original GOP map:
“Map C was drawn to favor Republicans, and it unduly favors Republicans and disfavors Democrats. It does not comply with Utah law.”
The ruling created immediate political tension, further elevating interest in the state’s new polling data.
America First Agenda Still Drives Utah’s Conservative Base
Despite the temporary polling fluctuation, Utah remains one of the most conservative states in the country. Trump’s policies on border security, crime, inflation, energy independence, and protecting American workers continue to resonate strongly with Utah’s older, faith-driven, family-oriented voters.
As Trump continues his presidency, analysts expect numbers in all states — including Utah — to shift depending on major events, media narratives, and ongoing legal battles. But long-term trends still overwhelmingly show Utah as a reliable America First state.
