A recent Gallup poll, conducted from December 2 to December 18, 2024, sheds light on Americans’ expectations for President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. The survey, which interviewed 1,003 adults nationwide, shows a divided outlook on Trump’s ability to address key policy areas.
Majority of Americans Predict Success in Controlling Illegal Immigration
According to the poll, a significant 68% of Americans believe that Trump will succeed in controlling illegal immigration. Alongside this, a smaller yet substantial portion of the population is optimistic about his chances of reducing unemployment, preventing terrorism, boosting the economy, avoiding war, lowering taxes, and reducing crime rates. These areas are among the seven goals where Americans anticipate progress during Trump’s second term.
Mixed Outlook on Other Policy Areas
Despite these positive expectations, the survey also indicates skepticism in several other areas. A majority of Americans (33%) believe Trump will fall short in addressing political divisions, improving the environment, reforming healthcare, fostering better race relations, enhancing education, reducing the federal budget deficit, improving conditions for minorities and the poor, or lowering the cost of living, including grocery prices.
Americans’ opinions are more split on whether Trump will be successful in improving the federal government’s functioning or increasing respect for the U.S. internationally. Approximately half of the respondents were unsure about whether he would accomplish these two goals.
Republicans Show More Optimism Than Democrats
The poll reveals a stark contrast in expectations between Republicans and Democrats. The majority of Republicans (ranging from 66% to 99%) are highly optimistic about Trump’s ability to achieve all 17 policy goals surveyed. Conversely, Democrats are generally more skeptical, although a significant portion (one-third or more) still express confidence in his ability to tackle certain key issues, particularly illegal immigration.
Comparing 2024 Expectations to 2016
The 2024 poll also shows a shift in American sentiment compared to 2016. Notably, there has been a 17% increase in the belief that Trump will successfully keep the nation out of war, rising to 55% in 2024. Additionally, optimism about Trump controlling illegal immigration has grown by 9%, while support for his efforts to reduce crime has increased by 8%. Notably, optimism around improving race relations has also seen a 6% increase.
However, the data reveals that Americans’ confidence in Trump’s ability to improve healthcare and education has diminished since 2016. Support for these issues has decreased by 12% and 10%, respectively.
Polling Methodology
This Gallup poll was conducted through telephone interviews, and the sample included 1,003 adults aged 18 and older from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The results reflect the diverse range of views held by Americans regarding the future trajectory of the Trump administration.
As President-elect Trump prepares for his second term, these mixed expectations highlight the challenges he may face in uniting the nation and delivering on the promises that are top of mind for many Americans.
