American Public Has High Hopes for New Trump Administration
Having soured on lame-duck President Joe Biden, Americans are anticipating the inauguration of his successor—and predecessor—Donald Trump. Whether they’re looking forward to the new administration eagerly or with dread depends, but Trump won the election with a higher vote tally than his opponent, so we can assume that more people than not are pulling for him. That doesn’t mean the public thinks his path will be easy. Voters foresee success in some areas, with rockier prospects in others.
Many Expect Things They Care About To Improve
“Expectations are highest that Trump will control illegal immigration, which 68% of U.S. adults predict he’ll do,” Gallup pollsters reported last week. “Smaller majorities believe he will reduce unemployment, keep the country safe from terrorism, improve the economy, keep the country out of war, cut people’s taxes or reduce the crime rate.”
Specifically, 60 percent think the return of Trump heralds reduced unemployment and improved safety from terrorism, 58 percent expect the economy to improve, 55 percent see the new president keeping the U.S. out of war, 54 percent foresee taxes reduced, and 51 percent anticipate lowered crime rates.
Fortunately for the incoming administration, the areas where Americans expect success correspond pretty closely with the public’s priorities. The things people most care about feature highly in the list of those they expect to improve over the next four years.
“Both Democrats and Republicans cite immigration, the economy, inflation, and foreign policy as top issues,” AP-NORC pollsters revealed in a poll published this week. Rising in importance by 12 points from a year ago, immigration was ranked as the most important issue by 47 percent of voters (69 percent of Republicans and 32 percent of Democrats). Foreign policy, which certainly involves the possibility of war, was down by three points from a year ago but still named as a top concern by 35 percent of respondents (40 percent of Republicans and 30 percent of Democrats). The economy, up by six points from a year ago, was cited as a top issue by 30 percent (35 percent of Republicans and 25 percent of Democrats).
Separately, the Tax Foundation found that “more than 80 percent of respondents think the US federal tax code needs reform.” More than half say taxes are too high, while two-thirds call the tax code unfair.
Some Are Bound To Be Disappointed
That said, agreement goes only so far. According to AP-NORC, Republicans emphasize concern for government spending and debt while Democrats focus on climate and the environment. Both groups are likely to be disappointed on those points—at least, most people expect that to be the case.
“Majorities of Americans do not think Trump will heal political divisions in the country, improve the quali
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