Majority of Americans optimistic about Trump agenda, poll finds, despite tariff concern
A recent poll conducted by Monmouth University revealed that a majority of Americans are optimistic about the policies President-elect Trump will pursue during his second term. The poll found that 53% of Americans are feeling either very or somewhat optimistic about the upcoming administration, marking a slight increase from the weeks leading up to his first term when only 50% of Americans expressed optimism. However, Democrats are noticeably less optimistic this time around, with only 10% looking forward to the next four years.
Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute, acknowledged the stark partisan divide in opinions on the Trump agenda. He emphasized the importance of understanding how these policies will impact American families, especially those who supported Trump in the 2024 election.
According to the poll, Trump’s tariff agenda is his least popular policy, with 47% of respondents believing it will negatively affect their families, while only 23% anticipate positive outcomes. On the other hand, Trump’s proposal to eliminate income tax for specific wages received more favorable responses, with 48% of respondents believing it will benefit their families, compared to just 15% who think it will have a negative impact.
The poll was conducted from December 5-10, surveying 1,006 U.S. adults through phone interviews and online surveys, with a margin of error of 3.9%. As Trump gears up for his second inauguration, he has already initiated legal action against the Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer. The lawsuit alleges that they engaged in election interference and fraud by publishing a poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading in Iowa, a state Trump ultimately won by 13 points.
Trump’s attorneys claim that Selzer, known for her accuracy in polling, deliberately skewed the results to favor Harris, indicating an attempt to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. The lawsuit targets the Des Moines Register and its parent company, Gannett, accusing them of promoting a false narrative of inevitability for Harris in the final week of the election.
In conclusion, the poll results reflect a divided sentiment among Americans regarding Trump’s second term policies. While some express optimism, others remain skeptical about the potential impact on their families. The legal battle surrounding the Iowa poll adds another layer of controversy to the political landscape as Trump prepares for his second term inauguration on January 20, 2025.
