Voters Want Trump To “Tone It Down”?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office for his second term on Monday, a new survey reveals a mixed bag of public sentiment about his agenda, with many Americans signaling a preference for a more measured approach. According to a recent Wall Street Journal poll, while a slight majority of Americans—53 percent—desire significant changes in how the government operates, there is notable opposition to some of Trump’s more ambitious plans.
For instance, more than 60 percent of those surveyed oppose his proposal to drastically reduce the number of career civil-service workers. Many also expressed reservations about Trump’s stance on eliminating the Department of Education, with only 18 percent supporting his idea to give the president more control over federal spending.
When it comes to immigration, a policy area that will likely dominate Trump’s early executive actions, the survey reveals a clear divide. Around 75 percent of Americans agree with the idea of removing immigrants with criminal records, but the same majority believes that long-term residents without criminal histories should not face removal. This indicates that voters may support enforcement but also seek a more balanced, pragmatic approach to immigration reform.
Trump’s controversial statements about pardoning those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot also drew significant opposition, with 57 percent of Americans against such pardons. Similarly, his proposals regarding military action in foreign territories, such as reclaiming control over the Panama Canal and Greenland, were met with strong disapproval, with most Americans opposing the idea of using force for territorial expansion.
On the domestic front, the poll shows a clear opposition to some of Trump’s more extreme proposals. Sixty-four percent of respondents rejected his plan to end birthright citizenship, while half of those surveyed expressed concern over Tesla CEO Elon Musk advising the president.
Despite these areas of disagreement, Trump’s economic policies—such as imposing tariffs on imported goods—are more popular, though there is concern about rising costs. Still, the poll indicates that Americans are dissatisfied with the current administration, with only 36 percent approving of President Biden’s job performance and a mere 12 percent supporting his re-election bid. Biden’s early exit from the 2024 race, coupled with his endorsement of Vice President Harris, signals growing public doubts about his ability to serve another term.
As Trump prepares to take office, he will need to carefully navigate public opinion and balance his bold plans with a more pragmatic approach that reflects the priorities of the American people.
