Poll Reveals Voter Concerns Over DOGE Spending Cuts Amid Economic Worries

Recent government spending cuts executed by the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, have sparked significant concerns among voters. While many acknowledge the necessity of these cuts, public opinion indicates widespread unease regarding their implementation and impact.

A new national survey conducted by Fox News highlights that a considerable majority believes the national debt poses a crisis or major problem. Nearly 60 percent of respondents feel that a substantial portion of government spending is wasteful and inefficient. This sentiment reflects the ongoing anxiety over federal fiscal responsibility.

Public Opinion on Federal Employee Reductions

Despite these concerns, a narrow majority of 51 percent opposes major reductions in the number of government employees. Alongside this, 56 percent disapprove of the Trump administration’s handling of wasteful spending identification and reduction. Furthermore, 65 percent worry that insufficient planning accompanies the current cuts.

Interestingly, bipartisan unease permeates the discourse. Approximately 39 percent of Republican respondents share concerns commonly echoed by 88 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Independents regarding the manner in which the reductions are being enacted.

Mixed Reactions to Elon Musk’s Involvement with DOGE

When evaluating Elon Musk’s role with DOGE, opinion is notably divided. About 40 percent of voters express approval of his efforts in this area, contrasted by 58 percent who disapprove. This disapproval includes a staggering 93 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of Independents, and 20 percent of Republicans.

Voter Preferences on Federal Program Funding

Survey results reveal that voters favor increasing funding for various vital federal programs. A substantial 63 percent advocate for more financial resources to Social Security, while 58 percent support enhanced funding for Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, 53 percent want an increase in medical research funding. A significant minority, 44 percent, express a desire for more military and national defense funding. Conversely, attitudes towards humanitarian foreign aid show mixed feelings; 23 percent favor increasing funding, while 36 percent prefer maintaining current funding levels, and 39 percent would opt for a decrease.

The Impact of Government Cuts on Families

The implications of the government cuts extend beyond statistics. One in four voters report that someone in their family has faced significant repercussions due to the cuts. Among these voters, a striking 79 percent express concern about how the reductions have been managed.

Views on Tariffs and Their Economic Impact

Voter sentiment also indicates skepticism regarding tariffs. A robust 69 percent of respondents believe that these measures will lead to higher prices for goods, while 53 percent fear they may harm the economy. Opinions are divided on whether tariffs protect jobs; 35 percent assert they do, while 39 percent argue the opposite.

New data reveals that 53 percent of voters now believe tariffs adversely affect the economy, marking an increase from 50 percent in January and a low of 39 percent during 2024.

Regional Perspectives on Tariffs

On the topic of specific tariffs, respondents are more inclined to impose tariffs on products imported from China, with 55 percent in favor. In contrast, 56 percent oppose tariffs on goods from Mexico, and 61 percent reject tariffs on Canadian products.

General Economic Sentiment Among Voters

On the broader economic landscape, voter sentiment has soured. Many observers note that inflation appears out of control, and a majority predict a recession is likely on the horizon. Recent statistics show that 79 percent of voters currently rate the economy negatively, an increase from 70 percent just two months prior. This pessimism is largely driven by a significant uptick among Democrats, who reported a 35-point decline in their view of the economy.

Personal Finance and Inflation Concerns

In terms of personal finances, 60 percent of individuals rate their financial situations negatively — a slight improvement from 62 percent in December. Additionally, while nearly half of voters, 47 percent, feel inflation is not under control, this number has decreased from 56 percent at the start of 2023.

Expectations for Recession and Economic Concerns

Expectations of a recession loom large, with 70 percent of respondents anticipating economic downturn this year. This perspective includes majorities of 93 percent of Democrats, 72 percent of Independents, and half of Republican voters.

Identifying Major Issues Facing the Nation

These economic sentiments elucidate why over 40 percent of voters identify inflation, at 27 percent, or the economy in general, at 16 percent, as the most pressing issues confronting the nation. They surpass concerns related to political divisions, which garnered 14 percent, and political leadership or corruption, at 10 percent.

Trends in Voter Satisfaction

Despite the overall dissatisfaction with economic conditions, there is a slight uptick in general satisfaction with the country’s trajectory. Currently, 43 percent of voters express satisfaction with how things are progressing. This figure has risen from 31 percent in December. However, a considerable 57 percent remain unsatisfied, including 20 percent of Republicans.

Historically, voter dissatisfaction peaked at 75 percent during Biden’s term in August 2022. Under Trump, the dissatisfaction rate reached 66 percent the same month in 2020.

Changing Dynamics in Political Approval Ratings

Shifts in partisan approval ratings have contributed to the changing landscape. The survey indicates that satisfaction among Democrats plummeted 33 points to just 9 percent following Biden’s departure from office. Meanwhile, 80 percent of Republicans now express satisfaction, an increase of 55 points since Trump took office.

Trump’s approval rating currently stands at 49 percent, matching a record achieved during his first term. In contrast, Biden’s highest rating was 56 percent in June 2021. While 92 percent of Democrats disapprove of Trump, an equal percentage of Republicans approve, showcasing a stark partisan divide.

The Future of Economic Policy

As concerns about the economy persist, it remains crucial for policymakers to address voter apprehensions regarding cuts and tariffs. Republican pollster Daron Shaw recognizes the volatility of public sentiment and urges for effective outcomes from current policies to maintain broad support.

Fox News’ Victoria Balara contributed to this report.