Voter Sentiment Shifts: Government Shutdown Rejected as Support for Trump Declines

Voter Sentiment Shifts: Government Shutdown Rejected as Support for Trump Declines



In a revealing November Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, a staggering 75% of American voters oppose the ongoing government shutdown. This marks a rise of 5 percentage points since September, reflecting rising impatience with the political status quo. Concurrently, Congressional approval ratings have plummeted to their lowest level in over a year, illustrating a growing discontent with governmental processes across the board.

The political landscape is painted with uncertainty as ratings for both Democrats and Republicans hover below 44%. President Trump’s approval took a hit, landing at 44%, down 2 points from last month. While many of his policies maintain popularity—particularly those related to public safety and immigration—perceptions of his handling of tariffs and inflation are notably waning.

Economic Anxiety Fuels Discontent


One notable trend from the survey is that 57% of respondents describe the economy as weak, an increase of 6 points from just a month prior. With voters increasingly worried about economic stability, 35% believe the country is on the right track, a drop of 5 points.

As economic conditions worsen and the repercussions of the shutdown become tangible, the Congressional approval rating has dipped to 27%, marking a significant decline since June 2024. The Republican Party sits at 44%, while the Democratic Party edges slightly ahead at 43%.

Voters' top priorities reveal that inflation (48%) and affordability (45%) are their primary concerns. These issues resonate profoundly, especially amidst a rising cost of living that leaves many struggling to make ends meet.

Polarizing Policies and Public Perception


Despite the negative sentiment surrounding the shutdown, most of Trump’s policies still garner majority support. Policies such as lowering drug prices (85%) and deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records (79%) continue to resonate with voters. However, opinions change when it comes to tariffs and healthcare, leading many to question Trump’s effectiveness.

The perception of Trump's governance style has also shifted; 56% of voters believe he has overstepped his presidential powers, with 51% expressing concern that he operates akin to a

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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