How America feels about the reshaping of the federal government

We live in a new America.

As a candidate, Donald Trump promised change. So far, he’s followed through with these promises.

Following an unprecedented flurry of executive orders, President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk are full steam ahead on dramatically reducing federal spending. So far, the organizations that have been put on the chopping block by DOGE are wide-ranging. That list will almost certainly grow longer.

A lot is changing. How are Americans making sense of these changes? Below are five charts on how Americans feel about Trump, the Trump administration’s attempts at revising the federal government, and what these changes could mean for the Trump administration going forward.

1. Holding onto a strong start. Trump began his presidency with one of the best approval ratings he’s ever had, representing a sizable jump compared to the Biden administration. The honeymoon period could wane soon – remember, approval ratings typically drop off around 100 days to six months into a presidency. But so far, his efforts to reshape the federal government haven’t compromised his standing with the American public.
2. Big government vs. small government. Americans’ dissatisfaction with big government isn’t new – Americans have wanted to trim the federal government in favor of lower taxes for decades. Trump and DOGE are fulfilling America’s appetite for a leaner federal government and fatter pocketbooks.
3. There’s a “but.” Americans in general support downsizing the government. However, some of the methods the Trump administration and DOGE have taken to get there aren’t as popular. Eating sausage and watching sausage get made are two entirely different things.
4. The system is broken. Many Americans view the “system” (broadly including the government, media, and economy) as rigged. This is likely why some Americans aren’t afraid to blow it up.
5. The bottom line. What do Americans want most from Trump? Lower inflation and a better economy. This was the story of the 2024 election, and it remains the story now. Trump’s standing with the public will likely be defined more by how the economy and inflation perform during his presidency rather than the changes he makes to government spending.

The effects of reducing government spending in areas like foreign aid, medical research, climate change research, or education may not be immediately visible to the average American. It may take years, if not decades for the impact of these changes to truly set in. But for now, Trump is holding on to the strong start to his presidency by appealing to America’s long-held distrust of the “system” and desire for change.

We’re entering a New America. There will be growing pains. But there also might be no going back.

Insights into the New America brought to you by Clifford Young, Sarah Feldman, and Bernard Mendez.