Declining Public Trust in Democracy and Trump Approval
Key Questions
What are the latest polling numbers for Trump's approval rating?
Trump's approval stands at 35% with a net of -25, and only 35% approve of his handling of prices (net -47). Democrats lead the generic ballot by 8 points according to recent surveys.
How do voters view the state of democracy under the current administration?
A Quinnipiac poll shows 57% believe democracy is not working. Issues like SAVE Act fights, SCOTUS VRA changes, and FISA linkage to voter ID are cited as eroding public trust and norms.
What concerns exist around federal agents and due process in immigration cases?
Federal agents from ICE and HHS OIG visited a children's legal aid office without a warrant, raising due process issues. This adds to perceptions of politicized justice amid DOJ actions in California and elsewhere.
How is the federal government changing citizenship requirements?
The bar for U.S. citizenship has been raised with a harder test, higher fees, and a 29% drop in approvals. This shift is expected to impact state populations and workforces.
What impact could Forest Service changes have on public oversight?
New proposals would reduce public comments and oversight on land decisions, potentially eroding trust in federal land management. Outdoor groups have sued over related land exchange policies in Montana.
Why are some states concerned about Trump's immigration policy shifts?
Policy changes may reduce state populations and available workforce, prompting lawsuits and advocacy from immigrant groups. Reactions include concerns over economic and demographic effects.
What does the Cato analysis say about Trump's economic approach?
Cato argues the second term marks a shift to state capitalism with direct equity stakes in 28 companies, further eroding trust in free markets and institutions.
How have recent SCOTUS and EPA actions affected public confidence?
SCOTUS loosening campaign finance limits and the EPA dropping microplastics testing contribute to views of weakened regulations. These moves, alongside VRA changes, are seen as reducing faith in democratic processes.
Trump approval at 35% (net -25), 35% on prices (net -47). Democrats lead generic ballot by 8 points. Quinnipiac: 57% say democracy not working. Only 16% believe Iran victory claims. Grand jury problems in Trump's DOJ. White House AI adviser resigns. Baker Institute: 7.5M newly uninsured from $900B cuts. SCOTUS gutting VRA erodes faith. SAVE Act parliamentarian fight erodes norms. New polling shows voter enthusiasm questions, black voters reassessing. New: Inflation hits families hard, midterm election fears grow; new data on purchasing power erosion. Also: federal agents visiting children's legal aid office without warrant raises due process concerns; Trump's FISA/voter ID linkage may further erode trust. New: Cato analysis argues Trump's second term marks shift to state capitalism, further eroding trust in free markets. New: Forest Service reducing public oversight and comments on land decisions erodes trust in federal land management; DOJ suing California over gun laws adds to perception of politicized justice. New: Federal government raises bar for citizenship (harder test, higher fees, 29% drop in approvals); Local government budgeting difficulties (NC case study); Montana land exchange lawsuit; Maryland data center moratoriums; EPA drops microplastics testing; SCOTUS loosens campaign finance limits.