WASHINGTON — A significant portion of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s policy towards higher education institutions, as per a recent survey. The current administration has been increasing pressure on colleges and universities to follow its political directives or face cuts to federal funding.
The findings from a poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveal that 56% of U.S. adults oppose Trump’s handling of issues related to higher education. Meanwhile, about 40% show approval, which aligns with his broader job approval trends.
Since assuming office, Trump has concentrated on altering the landscape of universities, which he claims have become breeding grounds for liberal ideology and antisemitism. In particular, Harvard University has come under scrutiny, facing a freeze on over $2.2 billion in federal grants alongside threats to alter the university’s tax-exempt status unless policy changes are enacted.
Additionally, other prestigious institutions like Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell have also experienced funding cuts by the administration, primarily due to their stances on issues like pro-Palestinian activism and the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Harvard has countered the administration’s demands, arguing that they impinge on the academic autonomy safeguarded by the Supreme Court.
The survey indicates a disconnect between the administration’s actions and the general view of Americans, who largely regard universities as crucial to driving scientific research, innovation, and the generation of new ideas. Roughly 60% of U.S. adults believe that colleges contribute positively to medical and scientific research and support sustained federal funding for research.
Freddy Ortega, a 66-year-old Democrat from Columbus, Georgia, expressed concern over the funding cuts imposed on Harvard. He criticized the administration’s power dynamics, suggesting that such decisions should be deliberated by Congress, not a single individual.
Within the Republican base, Trump’s policies find appeal, with around 80% approving of his approach toward educational issues, though this sentiment varies when discussing financial cuts to non-compliant universities. Roughly half of Republicans back such measures, whereas about 25% oppose them, with another 25% maintaining a neutral stance.
Republican Hengameh Abraham from Roseville, California, stands in favor of funding cuts and opposes diversity programs, arguing that opportunities should be merit-based and free from factors like race and nationality.
Charles Jolivette, a college career counselor in New Orleans, criticizes Trump’s policies, viewing them as an affront to free speech and minority communities. He sees these as actions against fundamental societal principles.
Affordability stands out as a major concern for many Americans, with about 60% highly concerned with tuition costs more than other issues like political bias or antisemitism on campuses. The financial burden associated with obtaining a college education unifies both Democrats and Republicans in concern.
Eunice Cortez from Houston echoes this sentiment, highlighting the high costs tied to achieving higher education despite supporting Trump. She fears that funding cuts may hinder essential financial aid for students.
The poll outlines a divide in opinions between Americans with college degrees and those without. The majority of college-educated individuals disagree with pulling funds from schools, while opinions among those without degrees remain mixed.
Kara Hansen from Seminole, Oklahoma, expresses a similar hesitance. Despite her inclination to disrupt the status quo in educational policy, she fears the increase in censorship and lack of open dialogue in academic environments under Trump’s administration.
Only about 30% of participants feel that students and professors can freely express their viewpoints on campuses to a substantial degree, with Republicans feeling particularly constrained compared to their liberal counterparts.
The AP-NORC survey, involving 1,175 adults conducted between May 1-5, carries a sampling error margin of plus or minus 4 percentage points, offering valuable insights into public opinion on educational policy direction in the U.S.