A recent survey indicates that a majority of Americans are advocating for a more restrained approach to President-elect Trump’s upcoming term, scheduled to commence on Monday. According to a Wall Street Journal poll released on Friday, while 53 percent of Americans desire significant changes in the government’s operations under the new administration, over 60 percent oppose the proposed replacement of numerous career civil-service personnel. Furthermore, the data reveals that a majority of Americans disagree with Trump’s plans to eliminate the Department of Education and granting the president increased authority over federal expenditures.
Regarding immigration policies, which are anticipated to be a focal point of Trump’s initial executive actions upon his return to the Oval Office, approximately 75 percent of Americans expressed support for the removal of migrants with criminal backgrounds from the country. Additionally, 70 percent of respondents indicated opposition to the expulsion of long-time residents without criminal records. Notably, the survey also revealed that 57 percent of Americans are against pardoning individuals linked to the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, a stance that contrasts with Trump’s stated intention to grant clemency to “most” of those accused or convicted.
The survey data further indicates a widespread disapproval among Americans for potential military actions aimed at regaining control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, territories that Trump has targeted. Moreover, approximately two-thirds of respondents oppose the idea of incorporating Canada as the 51st state, a notion endorsed by the incoming president. On the domestic front, 50 percent of those surveyed view Elon Musk’s advisory role with skepticism, while 64 percent oppose the abolition of birthright citizenship, a proposal Trump has vowed to pursue immediately upon taking office.
In terms of economic policies, nearly half of the survey participants support Trump’s tariff implementation plans, despite concerns from 68 percent of respondents that such measures would lead to higher consumer prices. Notably, only 36 percent of Americans approve of President Biden’s performance in office, with a mere 12 percent expressing confidence in his ability to serve another term. Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race in July, citing age and stamina concerns, has led to his endorsement of Vice President Harris, who previously lost the election to Trump in November.
Conducted from January 9 to 14, the Wall Street Journal poll surveyed 1,500 U.S. voters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Redistribution or modification of this material is prohibited. Stay updated on the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video by visiting The Hill.
