Deportation and government reduction policies attract support, but actions like ending birthright citizenship and renaming the Gulf of Mexico face widespread opposition.
The initial actions taken by President Donald Trump at the start of his second term continue to spark intense debate in the United States, reflecting the polarization that characterized his first term in office. A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that while some early measures have garnered significant backing from voters, others have provoked widespread rejection, highlighting the complexity of the current American political landscape.
Trump began his new administration just over a week ago, and public opinion is already divided regarding the president’s performance. According to the survey, 45% of respondents said they approve of Trump’s work so far, a slight decrease from the 47% recorded in the previous poll conducted on January 20-21. In contrast, 46% of Americans expressed disapproval, an increase compared to the 39% measured in the same previous poll. These figures indicate a slight erosion in the president’s support base and underscore the politically polarized atmosphere in the country.
Among the most popular measures are those related to immigration and government downsizing. Trump’s policies to strengthen the deportation of undocumented immigrants and freeze hiring in federal agencies received considerable support among Americans.
Approximately 48% of respondents said they support Trump’s approach to immigration, while 41% disapproved. The president’s actions, which include increasing deportations and reinforcing border security, have found backing especially among Republican and independent voters concerned about immigration issues.
The freeze on hiring in the federal public service, one of Trump’s campaign promises to make the government “more efficient and less costly,” was also well received. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) supported the measure. Of these, 80% were Republicans, and 43% were Democrats, highlighting a relative bipartisan support. Supporters see the initiative as an important step to reduce the size of government, cut expenses, and promote efficiency.
On the other hand, some of the president’s actions faced strong opposition. The proposal to end birthright citizenship – a principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution that grants nationality to anyone born on American soil – generated significant rejection among respondents.
According to the survey, 59% of Americans oppose the measure, including 89% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans. Support for the proposal was largely restricted to Trump’s conservative base. Still, the president seems determined to push the idea forward, despite a federal judge issuing a temporary order last week preventing the government from altering this practice. The White House, however, stated that it would continue to fight to implement the change.
Another widely criticized measure was the decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” This action, announced on the first day of Trump’s second term, was met with skepticism from the public. According to the poll data, 70% of respondents opposed the change, while only 25% supported the idea. The remaining 5% expressed no opinion. Critics view the initiative as an empty symbolic gesture, without practical benefits, and one that distracts from more pressing issues.
One of the greatest challenges faced by the Trump administration continues to be the rising cost of living. According to the survey, half of Americans (50%) believe the country is heading in the wrong direction on this issue, while only 25% think it is heading in the right direction. The rest of the respondents either didn’t know or chose not to answer.
The impact of inflation on household budgets has been a growing concern, especially among low- and middle-income families, who feel the most acute effects of rising prices for essential goods. This widespread dissatisfaction with the cost of living may represent a significant obstacle for the president as he tries to reinforce the narrative of economic recovery in his second term.
Trump’s decisions related to diversity and inclusion have also sparked intense debates. Among the most controversial measures is the termination of federal efforts to promote the hiring of women and racial minorities. This initiative was rejected by 59% of respondents, including 30% of Republican voters.
The decision to shut down all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices also divided opinions. According to the survey, 51% of respondents opposed the closure, while 44% supported it. These figures reflect the impact of cultural and political tensions surrounding equal opportunities in the United States, a topic that continues to generate strong reactions on both sides of the political spectrum.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online from January 24 to 26, with the participation of 1,034 adults from different regions and socioeconomic profiles in the United States. The results provide a comprehensive and detailed view of public perceptions regarding the initial actions of Donald Trump’s second term.
This poll confirms the polarization of public opinion around the Trump administration and highlights the challenges the president faces in garnering broader public support. His policies, while widely approved by his Republican base, face significant resistance from other segments of society. As the United States moves forward into Trump’s second term, the balance between popular measures and controversial decisions will be crucial in determining the success of his administration and the political legacy he leaves behind.
The first weeks of Donald Trump’s second term reinforce the scenario of deep division in the United States. While some of his measures find support among a portion of the population, especially among his most loyal voters, others provoke strong rejection, even within the Republican Party itself.
Immigration policies and government downsizing are examples of initiatives that appeal to a significant portion of Americans, reflecting the conservative view of a smaller government and stricter borders. However, proposals such as ending birthright citizenship and renaming the Gulf of Mexico are seen as unnecessary or even harmful, facing strong opposition.
Furthermore, economic issues continue to be a source of widespread concern. The rising cost of living and persistent inflation represent concrete challenges that could affect Trump’s popularity in the coming months, especially if his administration does not present effective solutions to ease the pressure on Americans.
Another sensitive point is the revocation of diversity and inclusion policies, which intensifies debates on inequality and social justice. The closure of federal offices dedicated to racial and gender equity shows that the Trump administration is willing to follow a tougher line against programs that he and his allies deem unnecessary or ideologically driven. However, this strategy could also alienate moderate voters and Republicans who support some level of commitment to inclusion.
As Trump advances in his second term, the big question is whether his administration will be able to balance popular measures with the erosion caused by unpopular policies and controversial decisions. His Republican base remains solid, but growing disapproval among Democrats and independents may complicate his ability to govern.
With economic, social, and political challenges on the horizon, Trump’s success will depend on his ability to consolidate support beyond his traditional base. If current tensions continue to escalate, his second term could be marked not only by internal conflicts but also by difficulties in implementing long-term structural changes.
