WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s expanding executive power is prompting significant pushback across the nation, as recent polling indicates U.S. adults largely perceive him as overstepping his authority more than the federal courts. In stark contrast, a considerable segment of Republicans feel differently.
According to a recent survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, approximately half of the American populace believes the president wields too much influence over the government. Meanwhile, a substantially smaller fraction, about three in ten, share the view that federal judges possess excessive power.
On the contrary, among Republicans, the perception shifts, with nearly half considering the federal judiciary as too powerful, while only a minority think the same of the president.
These insights emerge amidst a backdrop of increased executive orders issued by Trump, pushing the conventional limits of presidential initiative. His actions challenge congressional authority on spending and defy judicial orders relating to immigration policies. Trump’s strategies involve directing the Justice Department against perceived adversaries, leveraging federal prosecutions, and pressing officials to align with his objectives.
Currently, the judiciary remains the primary governmental sector resisting Trump’s policies, while Congress has largely acquiesced. Only a small percentage worry that Congress holds too much power, and just 17% of Democrats see federal courts as overly authoritative. In contrast, the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court retains a more favorable view among Republicans, with only a fraction believing it exercises excessive authority, compared to a higher skepticism among Democrats.
The survey also reveals that about 60% of Americans believe Trump has overreached in using his presidential powers, with concerns heavily concentrated among Democrats and independents. In contrast, within the Republican circles, a majority feel his actions are justified, with a minority regretting any lack of assertiveness.
Brie Horshaw, a Los Angeles esthetician and Democrat, noted Trump’s unprecedented utilization of power, surpassing traditional presidential roles. Many Democrats echo this sentiment, with an overwhelming majority feeling Trump’s reach has extended beyond acceptable limits, alongside a significant portion of independents.
The survey forms part of a broader narrative highlighting public anxieties concerning Trump’s administration. Further polls, including those by Pew Research Center and CNN-SSRS, indicate consistent apprehensions regarding the president’s use of executive orders and overall executive conduct.
The AP-NORC findings suggest a marked increase since last year in the perception of the president having excessive power, contrasting with opinions during Joe Biden’s tenure. This shift is notably pronounced among Democrats and independents. Meanwhile, fewer Republicans express similar concerns compared to March 2024, reflecting a change in viewpoint.
Linda Seck, a retired nurse and Trump supporter, underscores a belief in consistent presidential power between Trump and Biden though she appreciates Trump’s approach to applying this power. Seck commends his and adviser Elon Musk’s efforts in reducing federal bureaucracy without congressional intervention, drawing a metaphor to carefully navigating a two-lane road while respecting constitutional limits.
Despite support for Trump, Seck echoes broader Republican concerns over the judiciary’s power, specifically criticizing lower court judges’ capability to counter federal authority, advocating instead for the Supreme Court’s role in such matters.
Nationwide polling reveals heightened concern over executive overreach compared to judicial encroachment. For instance, a Fox News survey indicates more Americans are troubled by presidential dismissals of court rulings than by judicial overextension. Furthermore, a general consensus opposes presidential authority to override court decisions, reinforcing the importance of adhering to Supreme Court judgments.
Data, including input from Lynn Cohee, a Democrat from Texas, reflect dissatisfaction with governmental checks on Trump’s decisions, emphasizing the need for balanced examination over impulsive actions. Cohee laments partisan dynamics overshadowing objective governance, likening it to favoring team victories over thoughtful policymaking.
The study surveyed 1,260 adults between April 17-21, using NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, representative of the U.S. demographic. The overall sampling error margin stands at approximately plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.