America is deeply divided. This much is clear. But a new CBS News poll reveals a startling consensus: a majority of Americans believe former President Trump is making “big changes” to the country, for better or worse. While partisan lines remain deeply entrenched, the poll sheds light on a crucial question: how do Americans perceive the impact of Trump’s actions, even after leaving office? From shifting political landscapes to reshaping national discourse, we delve into the poll’s findings and explore what these “big changes” might mean for the future of the nation.
Trump’s Deportation Program: Majority Approval, But at What Cost?
Is 100 days enough time to evaluate this president? His supporters generally don’t think so, but others do — perhaps because most Americans think President Trump is already making major changes to how the government — and the U.S. economy — work.
Those opening days, in public opinion terms, have been marked by Mr. Trump’s continued support from a loyal base of supporters, but also a widespread and growing belief among others that the administration is focused too much on tariffs and not enough on lowering prices.
That’s weighing on his approval ratings on the economy and inflation, which have gone down. Alongside that, he continues to get majority approval for his deportation program, though more Americans prioritize the economy in their evaluations of him.
MAGA Republicans: A Loyal Base with a Different Outlook
MAGA Republicans, in contrast, say their evaluations are based more on immigration and overwhelmingly approve of his efforts there.
Plus they have a much rosier outlook on the U.S. economy than Americans overall now that Trump is in office, and most of them say it is too soon to judge him.
Judicial Review and the Federal Workforce: Controversial Issues
Americans’ Views on Judicial Review of Trump’s Policies
Americans overwhelmingly support the principle of judicial review of the legality of Mr. Trump’s policies, including most Republicans.
But there’s also been calls from some to try to impeach federal judges who rule against Mr. Trump’s policies, and that also finds favor with a majority of Republicans, especially those who identify as part of the MAGA movement.
The Controversy Surrounding Federal Workforce Reductions
Views on Mr. Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce are evenly split in the country.
One reason is that most think the reductions will impact programs and services they care about, and that they may not benefit from the changes.
Implications for the Administration and the Country
As a general principle, it’s not acceptable to most if some legal U.S. residents were to be mistakenly detained by immigration authorities.
But half of Republicans say it would be acceptable, highlighting the growing divide on this issue.
The Bigger Picture: Implications and Analysis
What Do the Poll Results Mean for Trump’s Presidency?
Donald Trump won the 2024 election in large part on the economy and the idea that he’d make Americans financially better off.
Just before he took office, a sizable four in 10 felt his policies as president would do just that.
The Role of Party Affiliation in Shaping Public Opinion
Even among Republicans, things have tempered.
Just before he took office, three-fourths of Republicans said Mr. Trump’s policies as president would make them better off, and now, under half of them say that’s what is happening so far.
Lessons Learned: What’s Next for the Trump Administration?
The administration has argued that tariffs will have long-term benefits, but people are more inclined to think they’ll raise prices rather than lower them in the long term, too.
Tariffs on imported cars in particular aren’t popular, either.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent CBS News poll has shed light on a fascinating phenomenon – a majority of Americans believe that President Trump is making significant changes to the country. While opinions on the nature and impact of these changes vary widely, the poll’s findings underscore the profound sense of disruption and upheaval that has come to define the Trump presidency. As we’ve seen, this perception of change is fueled by a complex interplay of factors, including Trump’s unconventional leadership style, his administration’s policy initiatives, and the hyper-polarized media landscape.
The implications of this poll are far-reaching and multifaceted. On one hand, it suggests that Trump’s unorthodox approach to governance has tapped into a deep-seated desire for change among many Americans, who feel disillusioned with the status quo and eager for a shake-up. On the other hand, it also raises important questions about the substance and sustainability of these changes, as well as their potential consequences for marginalized communities and the fabric of American democracy. As we look to the future, it will be crucial to continue monitoring the trajectory of Trump’s presidency and its impact on the nation, particularly in the context of the 2020 election and beyond.
Ultimately, the CBS News poll serves as a powerful reminder that, in the words of the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” As America navigates the uncharted waters of the Trump era, one thing is clear: the country will never be the same again. The question is, what kind of change will we choose to create, and what will be the ultimate cost of that change?