America reacts to, and anticipates the 47th president

We explore in five charts below how Americans are feeling post-election, their reflections on the results, their expectations for a peaceful transfer of power, and what they want the next administration to prioritize

America reacts to, and anticipates the 47th president
The author(s)
  • Clifford Young President, US, Public Affairs
  • Sarah Feldman Editorial Director, US, Public Affairs
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After what’s been a years long campaign, America has elected a new president. President-elect Donald Trump will return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The race was close, but the results were decisive.

Where does that leave the country? In many ways, as divided as it was on November 4th. Even so, most expect and want a peaceful transfer of power—a pillar of American democracy that was in question in the lead up to Election Day.

We explore in five charts below how Americans are feeling post-election, their reflections on the results, their expectations for a peaceful transfer of power, and what they want the next administration to prioritize.

1. Two nations. Americans are deeply divided. The aftermath of the election is no different. The nation’s reactions are mixed. A majority of Democrats are worried, while more Republicans are hopeful and relieved. Some are indifferent. Two Americas, one red, the other blue, most tired.

A divided nation with mixed emotions

2. Losers concede. Still, even in a divided nation, most Americans, regardless of partisanship, agree that the loser must concede defeat. This is one democratic norm that was tested four years ago.

Decisive majorities, regadless of party, agree the loser must concede

3. Legitimate and accurate. Compared to 2020, Americans are more likely to see the 2024 election results as accurate. That’s driven, in large part, by more Republican and independent registered voters saying they view the results legitimately, a change from four years ago. Still, in the immediate aftermath of the election, majorities of Democrats, independents, and Republican registered voters see the 2024 results as legitimate and accurate. Though, notably, this number is softer for Democrats.

Compared to 2020, Americans are more likely to see the 2024 election as accurate

4. Peaceful transfer. Perhaps because most now see the results as legitimate and accurate, most are also confident that Donald Trump and the Biden administration will facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. Before the election, majorities were bracing for extremists’ violence or were not confident in the vote count. To get through such a high stakes election with decisive majorities trusting the results and expecting a peaceful transition is notable.

Most Americans expect a peaceful transfer of power

5. 100 days. In 73 days, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the next president. From there, the first 100 days of his administration will be the focus. Inflation continues to be the main issue for the public. Don’t expect that to change. A plurality of Americans also wants Trump to prioritize immigration. Though, one of his proposed policies—mass deportations—splits Americans. Most think it is likely he will order them, and nearly half are concerned. A new administration, the same division.

Plurality of Americans want Trump to prioritze immigration in first 100 days, with most thinking mass deportation is likely

It has been a long election cycle filled with historic twists and turns: a sitting president stepping off the ticket, two assassination attempts, and considerable turmoil and consternation.

Now, the results are in, and the waiting game, at least for the presidency, is over. The public sees the results as legitimate and expects a peaceful transfer of power. These were open questions before November 5th, and they, from the public’s standpoint, seem more resolved.

Still, the nation remains incredibly divided. As the next administration waits in the wings, expect that division to continue.

The author(s)
  • Clifford Young President, US, Public Affairs
  • Sarah Feldman Editorial Director, US, Public Affairs

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