Published 25/02/2025 16:00
The February Harvard Caps/Harris poll revealed that 58% of voters are more satisfied with Donald Trump’s work as president than Joe Biden’s. The Democratic Party’s approval reached a historic level of only 36%, 15 points below the Republican Party, which now has 49% support.
Available a few weeks ago from the beginning of the government, research reveals economic optimism and support for Trump policies, but divisions about tariffs, war in Ukraine and intervention in Gaza; 72% of voters support federal agency for government efficiency.
Economic optimism and Trump’s domestic policies support contrast with concerns about inflation, polarization and risks of external interventions. While Republicans capitalize dissatisfaction with Democrats, the pressure for government efficiency and the dilemma between peace and sovereignty in Ukraine will define the challenges of the second term.
Optimistic voters with direction from the country and economy
The survey indicated that 42% of voters believe that the country has been on the right track, an increase of 14 percentage points since January 2025. This improvement has been driven mainly by republican voters, who show greater confidence in the Trump administration.
Regarding the economy, 31% of voters said their personal financial situation is improving. However, inflation and immigration continue as the two main concerns of the electorate.
Dissatisfaction with fiscal management is unanimous:
- 83% advocate spending reduction, not tax increases.
- 70% believe that there is “waste and fraud” in public budgets.
- 69% support the goal of cutting $ 1 trillion in expenses.
However, 58% reject that employees of DGE (Government Efficiency Department) have access to confidential data from social programs beneficiaries, reflecting concern for privacy.
Trump and Republican Party popularity on the rise
Donald Trump begins his second term with a 52% approval rate and a 50% popularity, with a net advantage of +7 points. Some of the best known members of their administration also received positive assessments such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (+9), Jd Vance (+4) and Tulsi Gabbard (+3).
On the other hand, the Democratic Party faces one of its most critical moments. Among the Democrats themselves, only 33% approve of the party’s performance, against 86% of Republicans and 70% of independents who disapprove. Only 36% of voters approve of Congress, despite a small increase of 5 percentage points.
“The rejection of the Democrats reflects a negative assessment of Biden, Harris and his policies,” says Mark Penn, Stagwell’s Research Codirer and CEO. “Trump, on the other hand, goes to consolidate real support if it maintains the results in the coming months.”
Concern with inflation and division
Among the Trump government’s main initiatives, the deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records obtained 81% support. Other measures, such as the elimination of government spending fraud (76%) and the closing of the border (76%), were also well evaluated.
However, economic concerns are still present. While 40% of voters believe Trump’s policies will improve their financial situation, 46% fear these policies increase inflation. In addition, 54% of voters expressed fear that Trump divides the country further. They believe that the president’s actions will deepen polarization (82% of Democrats vs. 20% of Republicans).
Trade tariffs and foreign policy divide opinions
Trump government rates have received majority support: 57% of voters consider them an effective tool. However, 62% fear that these rates increase the prices of everyday products. Despite the desire for peace, 61% support reciprocal tariffs as an international pressure tool, although 62% fear increased domestic prices.
In foreign policy, 72% of voters want Ukraine to negotiate an agreement with Russia to end the war, but without forced territorial concessions. In addition, 66% argue that the US provides safety guarantees to Ukraine if an agreement is signed.
While 77% of voters support Israel against Hamas, Trump’s proposal to “take Gaza” for reconstruction is rejected by 70%. Most (56%) also oppose the removal of Palestinians from the territory. 76% support destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities. 57% advocate US support for Israeli air strikes in Iran.
The Harvard Caps/Harris survey of February shows that Trump begins his new term with a favorable scenario, but with significant challenges. The economy and political division of the country will be determining factors for its approval in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party faces a moment of historic low, needing to recover its base for the next elections.
The Harvard Caps/Harris survey, a partnership between Stagwell, Harris Poll and Harvard, has an error margin of 2.2 points and 95%confidence. Held online, it is considered one of the most accurate in the US – Harrisx hit the result of the 2020 election.
Source: vermelho.org.br
