A recent survey shows that Americans are not in favor of many of the policy proposals put forth by President Donald Trump. The poll asked respondents about several key issues, including immigration, foreign policy, and taxes.
The results indicate that the majority of Americans oppose building a wall along the Mexico border, withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, and cutting taxes for the wealthy. While Trump’s supporters remain steadfast, the data suggests most citizens disagree with some of his most touted plans.
Trump’s Tax Cuts and Economic Policy
Former President Trump proposed several tax cuts and economic policies aimed at boosting economic growth. His signature tax cut bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, lowered both individual and corporate tax rates. According to an analysis by the Tax Policy Center, the law reduced federal revenue by $1.9 trillion over 10 years.
Trump also pursued an “America First” trade policy, renegotiating or withdrawing from several trade deals like NAFTA and the TPP. He imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum, and $250 billion of Chinese goods. Although tariffs are aimed at protecting American industries like manufacturing, many economists argue they raise costs for consumers and businesses.
Americans Oppose Trump’s Immigration Plans
Americans largely disapprove of Donald Trump’s immigration policy proposals, according to recent polling. The majority of Americans oppose key pillars of Trump’s immigration agenda, including building a wall along the entire southern border and banning travel from Muslim-majority countries.
Trump’s signature campaign promise was to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and make Mexico pay for it. However, only 49% of Americans support building a wall along the entire border, while 51% oppose it, according to YouGov polling. Republicans overwhelmingly support the wall, with 72% in favor. In contrast, only 1% of Democrats support it. The proposal is divisive among independents as well, with only 31% voicing support.
Majority Reject Muslim Ban and Border Wall
According to recent surveys, the majority of Americans oppose many of the policy proposals put forward by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Polls show 61% of Americans oppose Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban, while only 39% support it. Democrats and Independents overwhelmingly oppose the policy, at 81% and 63% respectively.
Trump’s plan to build a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border is also unpopular, with 51% of Americans opposing it and only 49% in favor. While Republicans support the border wall proposal by a 59-point margin, Democrats and Independents oppose it by 47 and 22 points, respectively. The border wall is seen as an impractical solution to border security that will be expensive and ineffective.
Immigration Restrictions and Foreign Policy
Trump pursued a hardline stance on both legal and illegal immigration. He issued travel bans restricting entry into the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries, cut refugee admissions to historic lows, and ended Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.
In foreign policy, Trump pursued an “America First” nationalist agenda. He withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Accord, strained alliances with European allies, and pursued closer ties with autocratic leaders like North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Trump also escalated tensions with China through an ongoing trade war and disputes over technology, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Ste for years to come.
No Corporation Deserves Tax Breaks or Cuts
According to recent polls, the majority of Americans oppose cutting taxes for corporations, one of the central proposals in Trump’s tax plan. Among Trump’s proposals included in the poll, Americans are most likely to strongly or somewhat oppose cutting taxes on corporations (61%).
Tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy are unpopular, even among Republicans. Net support is highest among Democrats for requiring asylum seekers from Latin America to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in the U.S. (+1) and lowest for abolishing the U.S. Department of Education (-68) and withdrawing from the World Health Organization (-66).
Americans Divided on Repealing Obamacare
According to recent polls, the majority of Republicans support repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. A 2017 survey found that 82% of Republicans favored repealing Obamacare. Republicans are more likely to support than oppose 22 of the 30 policies asked about in the poll, while Democrats are more likely to oppose than support 29 of 30.
Given their opposition to government intervention in healthcare, most Republicans view Obamacare as an overreach that infringes on personal liberty and the free market. By repealing the law, Republicans aim to reduce regulation, lower taxes, and promote consumer choice.
Concerns Over Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach
President Trump’s foreign policy approach has raised concerns among Americans. According to recent polls, a majority of Americans oppose many of the policy proposals that characterize Trump’s foreign policy.
However, Trump’s rhetoric and actions on the global stage have strained relationships with allies and elevated tensions with adversaries. Trump’s frequent criticism of multinational alliances and organizations is also problematic for many. For instance, Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate agreement were unpopular moves that isolated America on the global stage.
Many Worry About Trump’s Business Conflicts of Interest
There is significant concern among the American public regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from President Trump’s business holdings. According to recent polls, a majority of Americans oppose many of the policy proposals that President Trump has put forward during his time in office thus far.
However, some of the strongest opposition centers around the President’s unwillingness to divest himself of his business interests upon taking office. Critics argue that President Trump’s financial stakes in his family business, the Trump Organization, present opportunities for outside actors to gain influence over policy decisions by patronizing his companies.
Trump’s Cabinet Picks Controversial
Many of President Trump’s cabinet picks have proven to be controversial as they faced confirmation hearings before the Senate. According to recent polls, the majority of Americans oppose several of Trump’s cabinet nominations.
Some of the most contentious cabinet picks are Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education, Scott Pruitt for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Jeff Sessions for Attorney General. DeVos, a billionaire Republican donor and education reform advocate, faced criticism over her lack of experience in public education.
Not Everyone Agrees
The recent polls and surveys show that many Americans are not in alignment with some of President Trump’s key policy proposals and stances. While he maintains a loyal base of supporters, broader public opinion reflects wariness or disapproval of policies like the border wall, the travel ban, withdrawal from climate agreements, and changes to health care.
As the administration moves forward, it will need to balance the desires of its base against the concerns of the wider populace. Effectively enacting major policy changes often requires public consensus, not just partisan approval.
