Washington: A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey has highlighted a rising sense of unease among Americans regarding President Donald Trump’s attempts to broaden executive authority. The poll comes amid a series of controversial moves by the president, including deploying armed troops to U.S. cities to combat rising crime and asserting influence over private economic decisions. Analysts say the findings reflect a nation increasingly divided over the boundaries of presidential power and the preservation of democratic norms.
The survey found that only 32% of Americans support the deployment of military forces to major cities to address crime, while opposition remains high, particularly among Democrats and independents. Specifically, 62% of Republicans expressed approval for the measure, contrasting sharply with 10% of Democrats and 25% of independents. This stark partisan split underscores the political polarization shaping public opinion on issues of national security and executive intervention.
President Trump’s efforts to directly influence the economy have also raised eyebrows. Recent moves, such as requesting stakes in major corporations like Intel and calling for profit adjustments from tech giant Nvidia, drew significant skepticism. According to the poll, only 16% of respondents support granting the president authority over business decisions or interest rates, reflecting broader concerns about undermining traditional checks and balances that safeguard the U.S. economy and democratic governance.
Despite mounting criticism, President Trump’s approval rating remains at 42%, buoyed largely by Republican supporters. However, the survey suggests that a majority of Americans, across party lines, believe that the president should respect judicial rulings and adhere to institutional limits. This gap indicates a tension between partisan loyalty and the broader public’s concern for upholding democratic norms and constitutional principles.
The poll also revealed a decline in Americans’ belief in their nation’s unique role on the global stage. Only 29% expressed confidence in American exceptionalism, down from 38% in 2017. Analysts suggest that this may reflect widespread anxiety over the country’s trajectory under President Trump’s leadership and the increasing centralization of executive power.
The Reuters Ipsos survey paints a picture of a country divided over the scope and limits of presidential authority. While Trump maintains strong support among Republicans, many Americans express concern about the erosion of democratic checks and balances. The findings signal that as the president continues to assert his authority, he may face heightened scrutiny from the public, highlighting the ongoing struggle between executive ambition and democratic accountability.