Voter Concerns Emerge Regarding Government Spending Cuts and Economic Direction Under Trump Administration
A recent Fox News national survey reveals a complex and somewhat contradictory perspective among voters regarding government spending cuts, the economy, and the direction of the country under President Donald Trump’s second term. While a majority acknowledges the need for fiscal responsibility and views the national debt as a serious issue, concerns are mounting regarding the implementation of spending cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), along with skepticism surrounding the administration’s handling of the economy and trade policies.
The survey highlights a pervasive sentiment that government spending is wasteful and inefficient, with nearly 6 in 10 respondents expressing the belief that a significant portion of government funds is mismanaged. This perception likely fuels the general acceptance of the need for spending cuts aimed at addressing the national debt, which is viewed as either a crisis or a major problem by a substantial portion of voters.
However, the survey also uncovers considerable apprehension about the specific approach taken by the DOGE in implementing these cuts. A slim 51% majority opposes substantially reducing the number of government employees, suggesting a fear of job losses and potential disruptions to government services. Furthermore, a significant 56% disapprove of the Trump administration’s performance in identifying and reducing wasteful spending, indicating a lack of confidence in the effectiveness and fairness of the process.
A key concern revolves around the perceived lack of careful consideration and planning in the implementation of the cuts, with 65% of voters expressing worry that insufficient thought has been given to the potential consequences. This concern transcends party lines, as a sizable minority of Republicans (39%) share the unease expressed by large majorities of Democrats (88%) and Independents (71%) regarding the implementation process.
The survey also delves into voter sentiment regarding Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE. While Musk’s efforts have garnered some support, 40% approve of his role, a larger 58% disapprove. This disapproval is particularly pronounced among Democrats (93%) and Independents (70%), while a smaller proportion of Republicans (20%) share this sentiment. This suggests that Musk’s involvement may be viewed with skepticism due to partisan divides and potentially concerns about the privatization or outsourcing of government functions.
When voters were asked about funding for specific federal programs, clear priorities emerged. Majorities believe the government should increase funding for Social Security (63%), Medicare and Medicaid (58%), and medical research (53%), indicating a strong desire to protect and enhance these vital social safety nets and public health initiatives. A large minority (44%) also supports increased funding for the military and national defense, reflecting ongoing concerns about national security.
Sentiment is more divided regarding humanitarian foreign aid, with 23% favoring increased funding, 36% preferring to maintain the current level, and 39% advocating for a decrease. This divergence likely reflects varying perspectives on the role of the U.S. in global affairs, the effectiveness of foreign aid programs, and the allocation of resources between domestic and international needs.
The impact of the government cuts on individuals and families is also a factor in shaping voter sentiment. The survey reveals that one in four voters reports that someone in their family has been significantly affected by the cuts, and among this group, a substantial 79% express concern about how the cuts have been handled. This suggests that personal experiences with the consequences of the cuts are driving negative perceptions and fueling opposition to the administration’s approach.
Beyond government spending, the survey also explores voter attitudes towards tariffs, another key aspect of the Trump administration’s economic policy. The findings indicate widespread concerns about the potential negative impacts of tariffs on consumer prices and the overall economy. A majority of voters (69%) believe that tariffs will make the products they buy more expensive, and 53% think they will hurt the economy. This 53% figure represents a new high, indicating growing skepticism about the benefits of tariffs.
Views are divided on the impact of tariffs on job creation, with 35% believing they help protect U.S. jobs and 39% arguing they hurt job prospects. This division reflects the ongoing debate about the economic consequences of protectionist trade policies, with proponents arguing they safeguard domestic industries and employment, while critics contend they lead to higher prices, reduced trade, and job losses in other sectors.
When asked about specific tariffs, voters express greater support for imposing them on products from China (55%) compared to Mexico (56% oppose) and Canada (61% oppose). This suggests that concerns about unfair trade practices or national security considerations may be driving the support for tariffs on Chinese goods, while closer economic ties and strategic partnerships with Mexico and Canada may explain the opposition to tariffs on goods from these countries.
The survey also reveals a growing sense of economic unease among voters, with an increasing number believing the economy is in bad shape and that inflation is out of control. 79% of voters give negative marks to the economy, this is a significant rise from 70% two months prior. This increase in pessimism is largely driven by shifts among Democrats (35-point increase) and Independents (18-point increase), while Republican assessment of the economy has improved.
While nearly half of voters (47%) continue to say inflation is "not at all" under control, this is down from 56% in early 2023, suggesting a slight improvement in perceptions about inflation management. However, the expectation of a recession remains prevalent, with seven in ten voters anticipating one this year. This includes majorities of Democrats (93%) and Independents (72%), as well as half of Republicans (50%).
These economic concerns are reflected in the issues voters identify as most important to the country. Inflation (27%) and the economy generally (16%) top the list, followed by political divisions (14%), political leadership/corruption (10%), and immigration (8%). In comparison, government spending is cited by only 3% of voters, and tariffs by 2%, suggesting that while these issues are important, they are not the primary drivers of voter anxiety.
Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts Fox News surveys with Democrat Chris Anderson, notes that partisan attitudes have shifted with the change in administrations, but the public as a whole remains jittery about the economy. He argues that the aggressiveness of Trump’s tariff policy and the pace of DOGE’s actions have spooked Democrats and many Independents, and that Trump’s ability to maintain broad public support will depend on his approach producing tangible results.
Overall, voter satisfaction with the direction of the country stands at 43%, up from 31% in December. However, 57% remain unsatisfied, including 20% of Republicans. This dissatisfaction underscores the deep divisions and anxieties that persist within the electorate, despite the change in administrations.
Trump’s job approval rating stands at a record 49%, a figure he also achieved during his first term. However, his ratings are underwater on the economy (43% approve – 56% disapprove) and inflation (40-58%). He receives his best marks on border security, with a 56% majority approving of his handling of the issue.
The Fox News survey, conducted March 14-17, 2025, provides valuable insights into voter attitudes regarding government spending cuts, the economy, and the Trump administration’s policies. The findings reveal a complex and nuanced picture, with widespread concerns about the implementation of spending cuts, anxieties about the potential negative impacts of tariffs, and a growing sense of economic unease. The survey highlights the challenges facing the Trump administration in addressing these concerns and maintaining broad public support in the face of deep partisan divisions.
