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### The American Public and the New Administration: A Focus on Congressional Reactions
The early days of a presidential administration often bring heightened attention to the new leadership, and the Trump administration is no exception. As President Trump settles into office, the American public is closely watching how Democrats and Republicans in Congress are responding. The question on many minds is: How should members of Congress handle their relationship with the new president?
Early into Trump’s term, a CBS News/YouGov survey revealed that Democrats and Republicans have starkly different opinions on how their congressional representatives should engage with the administration. For Democrats, there’s a growing desire for opposition. In the weeks following the inauguration, rank-and-file Democrats began to shift away from seeking common ground and toward demanding stronger pushback against President Trump. This shift reflects a growing sense among Democrats that resistance, rather than cooperation, is the most effective strategy during this time.
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### The Democratic Shift: From Common Ground to Opposition
In the pre-inauguration phase, a slight majority of Democrats believed their congressional delegation should work with President Trump to find common ground. However, this sentiment has diminished significantly in the weeks following his swearing-in. Today, a larger proportion of Democrats want their representatives in Congress to oppose the president as much as possible.
This shift is particularly pronounced among liberal Democrats. While the desire for opposition was initially concentrated among the “very” liberal, it has now spread to include most of those who identify as liberals. Moderate Democrats, on the other hand, are more divided. While some still believe in finding common ground, others are increasingly aligning with the call for opposition.
Interestingly, Democrats’ confidence in their leaders’ ability to effectively oppose or collaborate with Trump has also waned. Just over half of Democrats express at least some confidence in their leaders, but this sentiment is far from overwhelming. The remaining half have little to no confidence, suggesting a growing sense of skepticism about the Democratic leadership’s strategy.
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### Republican Support for Trump: Unified but Not Unconditional
On the other side of the aisle, President Trump’s early actions have been met with robust support from rank-and-file Republicans. The Republican base appears largely satisfied with the president’s direction, and this enthusiasm is reflected in their views on how congressional Republicans should behave.
However, this support does not necessarily translate to unconditional loyalty. While most Republicans agree that their representatives in Congress should back Trump, they also believe that lawmakers should push back when they disagree with him. This view underscores the idea that even among supporters, there is an expectation of independence and critical engagement.
That said, a significant portion of Republicans—about 4 in 10—believe that their congressional delegation should support Trump’s agenda without question. This view is particularly prevalent among those who identify with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, which has become a defining force within the Republican Party.
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### Survey Methodology and Insights
The CBS News/YouGov survey, conducted between February 5-7, 2025, provides a glimpse into the nation’s mood during this pivotal moment. The survey interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2,175 U.S. adults, ensuring broad representation across key demographic groups, including gender, age, race, education, and 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error for the survey is ±2.5 points, giving it a high degree of reliability in capturing the views of the American public.
The survey’s findings highlight the deep partisan divides that continue to shape American politics. Democrats are increasingly united in their desire for opposition, while Republicans remain largely supportive of Trump but with expectations of some independence from their congressional representatives. These insights provide a valuable roadmap for understanding how the public expects Congress to navigate the challenges of the Trump administration.
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### About the Survey Lead: Anthony Salvanto
Anthony Salvanto, Ph.D., is the driving force behind the CBS News Poll and the network’s elections and surveys efforts. As the executive director of elections and surveys, Salvanto oversees the design and execution of CBS News polls, ensuring that they are both rigorous and representative of the American public.
Salvanto also heads the CBS News Decision Desk, where he and his team are responsible for estimating election outcomes on election nights. His expertise in political polling and data analysis has made him a trusted voice in understanding the intricacies of American public opinion.
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### Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead for Congress and the Trump Administration
The early days of any presidential administration are a delicate balancing act, and the Trump administration is no exception. As the president works to advance his agenda, the reactions of Democrats and Republicans in Congress will play a critical role in shaping the political landscape.
For Democrats, the path forward appears increasingly clear: opposition is not just a strategy but a mandate from the base. However, this approach will require careful navigation, as the party must balance resistance with the need to achieve legislative progress. For Republicans, the challenge is to support Trump while maintaining their independence and credibility with voters.
As the nation moves forward, the interplay between the White House and Congress—and the public’s expectations of both—will be a defining feature of Trump’s presidency. The insights from the CBS News/YouGov survey provide a valuable lens for understanding the mood of the country and the pressures facing lawmakers in this new era.
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