WASHINGTON — As Donald Trump prepares to take office for his second term on Monday, he is poised to push forward a comprehensive agenda.However, polling indicates that despite his assertions of an “unprecedented and powerful mandate,” significant support for some of his key proposals is lacking among the American populace.
According to a recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, just over half of U.S. adults are in favor of eliminating taxes on tip earnings. However, Trump’s other commitments, such as withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, ramping up oil drilling on federal lands, and introducing new tariffs, receive far less backing.
There remains potential for public opinion to evolve regarding these initiatives, as many individuals express neutral views. Nonetheless, certain proposals are decidedly unpopular. Notably, a majority of Americans oppose the pardoning of most participants involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, suggesting that this aspect of Trump’s agenda may not resonate well with a broad segment of the population.
When it comes to mass deportations, U.S. adults show a division of opinion, though there is considerable support for the deportation of immigrants who have committed violent crimes. Trump has long promised to pursue extensive deportations, having previously fell short of this ambition during his first term. Now, he aims to launch the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history right from the onset of his new administration.
The poll indicates that while targeted deportations of violent offenders have significant backing, mass deportations are more contentious. Approximately 80% of U.S. adults favor the deportation of all undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes, and 70% support the removal of legal immigrants with the same convictions. In contrast, the idea of deporting undocumented individuals without criminal records faces a more skeptical reception, with opposition slightly outweighing support.
Turning to tariffs, Trump views them as a potential remedy for soaring food prices and unauthorized immigration—issues of concern to many of his electorate. Nonetheless, nearly half of U.S. adults oppose tariffs on all imported goods. The AP-NORC poll reveals that about 30% support such tariffs while another 25% maintain a neutral stance, indicating that sentiment could easily shift depending on the implementation of these tariffs.
Republicans generally lean toward supporting broad tariffs, yet a significant proportion—around 40%—express uncertainty or opposition. Just over half of Republicans advocate for tariffs on imports from other nations.
Trump’s intentions to pardon a substantial number of individuals arrested for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot have met with limited approval. Throughout his campaign, he underscored his plan to expedite these pardons, but opinion polling indicates that only about 20% of U.S. adults support such actions, while a decisive 60% oppose them, including a substantial number of strong opponents.
Members of Trump’s party are also divided on the matter, with about 40% supporting the pardons for the rioters, while another 30% are neutral and approximately 30% express opposition.
Trump’s proposal to eliminate federal taxes on earnings from tips resonates strongly, particularly among younger adults. While it is a costly initiative to execute, it remains one of his more popular campaign promises, with just over half of U.S adults supporting it, accompanied by around 25% remaining neutral, and about 20% opposing.
Opinions surrounding the escalation of oil drilling on federal lands also show a split among Americans. As Trump pledges to push for U.S. energy self-sufficiency, a third of the populace backs increased drilling on federal lands, while 40% oppose it. Approximately 25% of individuals express no clear opinion on the issue.
Regarding Trump’s potential withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, public sentiment is also tepid. Roughly half of Americans oppose such a move, even within his own party, with only about 20% in favor of withdrawal. Approximately 25% of the respondents are neutral on the subject.
In terms of federal protections for transgender students, a ruling against the previous administration’s innovations has sparked controversy. Trump has declared his intent to eliminate these protections, yet polling reflects a stronger opposition compared to support among the general populace. Nearly half of U.S. adults stand against removing these protections, with about 30% in favor and the remainder holding neutral views.
Lastly, as discussions reignite around the debt ceiling, Trump’s suggestion to raise or eliminate it has not garnered widespread approval. While opinions may shift, about 50% of U.S. adults oppose such a move, with 25% in favor and 30% neutral. Interestingly, both Democrats and Republicans are nearly equally inclined to oppose eliminating the debt ceiling.
The poll includes responses from 1,147 adults conducted between January 9-13, and it offers a comprehensive snapshot of current sentiments, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
