Voters across party lines are increasingly concerned that President Trump’s aggressive expansion of executive power threatens the foundations of American democracy.
At a Glance
- 54% of voters believe President Trump is expanding executive power excessively
- Early months of Trump’s term are widely viewed as “chaotic” and “scary”
- Voters say Trump is disconnected from their everyday struggles
- Trump’s approval rating stands at a low 42%
Trump’s Executive Ambitions Under Scrutiny
A new New York Times/Siena College poll reveals mounting voter anxiety about President Trump’s sweeping efforts to expand executive authority. Fifty-four percent of respondents believe Trump is overreaching, signaling bipartisan concern over the erosion of checks and balances critical to American governance. Even among those who support his broader goals, there is unease about the methods he employs.
In the first months of his term, voters have characterized Trump’s administration as “chaotic” and “scary,” reflecting a growing sense of unease about the direction of his leadership. As the New York Times reports, these negative perceptions are already souring public opinion and fueling broader fears about the future of democracy under his administration.
Watch a breakdown of the polling results at Trump’s Early Presidency Seen as Chaotic.
Approval Ratings Reflect Disenchantment
Trump’s national approval rating now stands at a concerning 42%, as documented by Newsmax. Historically low for this early stage of a presidency, the numbers underscore growing disenchantment among voters who feel Trump is out of touch with their daily hardships.
Compounding these concerns, only 43% of voters approve of his handling of the economy. Meanwhile, Trump’s aggressive tariff strategies have alienated a broad swath of the electorate, with 55% opposing them—including a striking 63% of independent voters, according to polling cited by Democrats.org.
On social media, dissatisfaction is palpable. “Gone too far,” one voter summed up, reflecting the widespread frustration now facing the administration.
Echoes of Voter Discontent
Beyond simple disapproval, the poll results expose a deeper fracture: only 44% of all voters—and just 31% of independents—believe Trump understands the problems they face in their everyday lives. The New York Times/Siena College survey illustrates a critical disconnect between Trump’s political maneuvers and the electorate’s lived experiences.
This growing disillusionment paints a troubling picture for a presidency that campaigned on promises of restoring American greatness. As voter concerns about executive overreach mount, Trump’s political future may depend not only on policy outcomes but on convincing the American people he can still lead with restraint and connection—not simply with power.
