Trump’s Federal Overhaul Finds Uneasy Ground with Voters, Poll Shows/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s major restructuring of the federal government — including mass layoffs, agency closures, and spending cuts — has not yet swayed public opinion decisively, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Approval for his actions on Social Security and government management mirrors his overall support, while skepticism remains over Elon Musk’s role in leading these reforms.
Trump’s Federal Reform – Quick Looks
- Public Sentiment: 4 in 10 adults approve of Trump’s handling of government and Social Security.
- DOGE Initiative: Department of Government Efficiency aims to shrink government, cut spending, and streamline operations.
- Elon Musk’s Role: Musk’s leadership polarizes voters but closely aligns with Trump’s overall perception.
- Spending Cuts: Slightly higher approval (nearly 50%) for Trump’s approach to reducing government expenditures.
- Generational Divide: Older voters more supportive of Trump on Social Security issues.
- Poll Timing: Conducted prior to a significant defeat for a Musk-backed candidate in Wisconsin.
- Political Risk: Changes to popular programs like Social Security could still trigger future backlash.
Trump’s Government Shakeup Finds Uneasy Ground with Voters
Deep Look
President Donald Trump’s sweeping efforts to reshape the federal government — via agency cuts, layoffs, and a hard pivot toward efficiency through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — have yet to yield a clear political outcome.
According to a fresh AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, about 40% of Americans approve of Trump’s management of Social Security and the federal government — roughly in line with his overall job approval. The data suggests that most voters haven’t been moved significantly by his latest reforms, either in support or opposition.
“They’re cutting wasteful spending. We need a smaller government, and there’s only one way to do that,” said Adam Marefka, a 42-year-old Trump supporter from Birmingham, Alabama.
Still, others view the overhaul with alarm.
“Total craziness,” said Paul Vaitkus, a retired cardiologist from Florida. “They’re going to do huge damage to agencies.”
Elon Musk’s Influence: A Blessing or Liability?
Trump appointed billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk to oversee the DOGE initiative — a move that’s drawn mixed reactions. The poll shows that half of U.S. adults view both Trump and Musk unfavorably, while only about 10% view Trump favorably but Musk negatively.
Despite Democrat-led attacks on Musk’s role, there is little evidence that separating the two figures resonates with voters. For most Americans, views of Musk are strongly linked to views of Trump — whether favorable or critical.
“You pick a guy who has the means that he has, that part of it just doesn’t sit well with me,” said Julio Carmona, a healthcare worker from Connecticut. “There could’ve been so many different qualified people that he chose.”
Among Republicans, two-thirds view both Trump and Musk positively, with about half of GOP respondents giving Trump a “very favorable” rating and around 4 in 10 saying the same about Musk.
Social Security and Spending: Core Issues Ahead
Trump’s promise to rein in government spending appears to resonate somewhat more than his overall job performance. Nearly half of U.S. adults approve of his fiscal restraint — including supporters who feel Washington has become bloated.
However, the topic of Social Security remains especially sensitive. While older adults (60+) view Trump’s handling of the issue more favorably, his overall approval rating among seniors hasn’t increased in parallel.
A January AP-NORC poll found that majorities of both Democrats and Republicans believe the government spends “too little” on Social Security, suggesting the issue could become a political minefield.
“All I want from this country is the government to help the seniors and the veterans,” said George Collins, 80, of Arizona. “It’s hard when you’re living on Social Security.”
Collins, who supports Trump, said he believes the president deserves more time to implement reforms:
“Let him try to fix it at least.”
Political Stakes Remain High
Tuesday’s election in Wisconsin, where a Musk- and Trump-backed Supreme Court candidate lost despite heavy spending, served as the first real-world test of how voters perceive Trump’s latest federal efforts. Over $21 million was poured into that race — a major investment that failed to deliver results.
For now, Trump’s changes to the federal workforce and budget are not dominating headlines in the way his immigration or trade policies have. But as agencies shrink and service gaps grow, public reaction may shift — especially if tangible impacts begin affecting everyday Americans.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.