Public Reaction to Trump’s Early Second Term Actions
As President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, a fresh national poll reveals a complex public reaction characterized by both enthusiastic approval and significant disapproval of his actions. Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has rapidly signed 63 executive orders—a figure that sets a record for early presidential activity by any of his predecessors.
Mixed Reception of Executive Actions
According to the latest Marquette Law School Poll, Trump has made headlines with several key initiatives that have garnered him substantial public support. The standout among these is his executive order mandating recognition of only two sexes—male and female. A notable 63% of adults across the country expressed support for this move, while 37% were opposed.
Signed just hours after his inauguration, the gender order outlines a clear standpoint on sex designation. It asserts the need for a strict definition that recognizes women as biologically female and men as biologically male. This directive realistically affects the language federal entities use, requiring them to adopt “sex” over “gender” in government documentation, including passports and Global Entry cards.
Trump’s Campaign Promises and Public Opinion
Undoing policies set by former President Joe Biden, who allowed U.S. citizens the choice of a gender-neutral “X” on passports, is part of Trump’s broader commitment to modify protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals. During his campaign for the 2024 election, he frequently stated intentions to roll back such protections, drawing sharp distinctions between his stance and that of his political opponents. In pivotal battleground states, Trump’s campaign highlighted ads framing Vice President Kamala Harris as supportive of nontraditional gender identity, claiming, “President Trump is for you.”
Partisan Divide on Key Issues
The poll underscores a stark partisan divide in public perception. Among Republicans, an overwhelming 94% backed the executive order, whereas only about two-thirds of independents showed support. In stark contrast, merely 27% of Democrats approved of the measure, highlighting the entrenched political divide regarding gender identity issues in America.
Tracking Oil, Gas Production, and Immigration Policies
In addition to gender policy, Trump’s plans to expand oil and gas production also received favor from 60% of respondents. Furthermore, his actions on immigration and border security seem to resonate with many Americans. A reported 60% support deportation of immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally, and 59% agree with declaring a national emergency at the southern border due to increasing migrant crossings.
However, views on certain immigration policies are mixed. A significant 57% of poll participants opposed deportation for individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years, hold jobs, and possess no criminal records. This highlights a nuanced stance among the public on immigration, revealing a distinction between strict enforcement and humanitarian considerations.
Controversial Moves and Public Dissent
Not all actions taken by Trump have met with public favor. One of the most controversial decisions was his Day One pardoning or commuting the sentences of nearly all supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This move was opposed by a striking 65% of Americans, pointing to deep-seated concerns over the insurrection’s implications and its aftermath.
Moreover, Trump’s assertion that the U.S. would reclaim the Panama Canal has also drawn a lukewarm response, with 65% of respondents opposing this notion. Adding to the list of unpopular decisions is Trump’s recent initiative to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which faced a staggering 71% opposition among those surveyed. While 57% of Republicans supported the renaming, the backing dwindled significantly to just 16% among independents and a paltry 4% among Democrats.
Approval Ratings and Partisan Perceptions
The Marquette Law School Poll, conducted between January 27 and February 5, shows Trump entering his second term with a 48% approval rating compared to a 52% disapproval rating. As the poll notes, approval ratings closely correlate with partisanship—89% of Republicans approve of Trump, a sentiment echoed by 37% of independents but only 9% of Democrats.
Conclusion: Navigating a Fractured Political Landscape
As President Trump continues to navigate a divided political landscape, the American public’s response to his early actions reflects a tapestry of opinions shaped by party affiliation and individual values. While certain initiatives find support and bolster his standing among Republicans, others risk alienating a significant portion of the electorate. The coming months will likely serve as a barometer for how these actions will influence public sentiment and Trump’s agenda going forward.
