Featured: No

Chatbot Curious, Data Center Skeptical

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

AI Has Grown as a Policy Priority, But Lags Behind Kitchen Table Issues

Less than one-in-five Americans (16%) name artificial intelligence as a policy priority for the president and Congress, up from just 7% in December. While it has increased, AI still lags behind the issues Americans care about most: inflation and the cost of living (60%), jobs and the economy (44%), and healthcare (38%). More Americans (19%) say President Trump and Republicans in Congress are focused on AI, compared to just 13% who say the same about Democrats in Congress.

AI Has Seen a Slight Increase in Importance, But It Remains Far Behind Costs, Inflation, the Economy, and Healthcare

Favorability of AI Has Fallen Since December

Net favorability of AI has fallen 17 points from +8 (49% favorable – 41% unfavorable) in December to -9 today (42% favorable – 51% unfavorable). A slight majority (51%) view AI unfavorably, including 29% who view it very unfavorably. However, 42% view the technology favorably, including 13% who view it very favorably. There are significant divides:

  • While a majority of men under 55 view AI favorably (58% favorable – 37% unfavorable), a majority of women under 55 view it unfavorably (36% favorable – 55% unfavorable);
  • People under 55 are warmer to AI (47% favorable – 46% unfavorable) than people 55 and up (36% favorable – 56% unfavorable);
  • Half of Trump 2024 voters view AI favorably (50% favorable – 44% unfavorable) while a majority of Harris voters view it unfavorably (39% favorable – 59% unfavorable);
  • Midwesterners and Southerners (where data center construction is most concentrated) have the most unfavorable view of AI when it comes to regionality (Midwest: 39% favorable – 55% unfavorable, South: 42% favorable – 51% unfavorable);
  • Similarly, rural Americans (where data center construction is also occurring at high levels) view AI more unfavorably (37% favorable – 55% unfavorable) than those in urban (47% favorable – 45% unfavorable) and suburban (42% favorable – 51% unfavorable) residents.
Attitudes Towards AI Overall Are Growing More Negative, But Data Centers Remain Much More Unpopular

A Majority Use AI Frequently, Especially Younger, Wealthier Americans

A majority of Americans use artificial intelligence (AI) tools at least once a week (55%), including nearly one-in-five (19%) who say they use it several times a day. Among those who report using AI most frequently:

  • Americans between 18 and 34 (75% use at least once a week, 23% use several times a day),
  • Americans making more than $100,000 annually (67% use at least once a week, 29% use several times a day),
  • Black Americans (67% use at least once a week, 28% use several times a day),
  • Hispanic Americans (64% use at least once a week, 25% use several times a day), and
  • Men with college educations (62% use at least once a week, 29% use several times a day).
A Majority Report Weekly Use of AI

Data Centers are Unpopular and Most Oppose Construction of Data Centers in Their Communities, a Large Shift Since December

Data centers are even more unpopular than AI, with three-in-five (58%) viewing them unfavorably, including 38% who view them very unfavorably. Even across party lines, a majority of Republicans (53%) and half of MAGA Republicans (50%) view them unfavorably. Data centers are particularly unpopular among:

  • Independents (19% favorable – 56% unfavorable),
  • Women (20% favorable – 57% unfavorable),
  • Rural Americans (24% favorable – 62% unfavorable), and
  • Americans making less than $50,000 annually (22% favorable – 61% unfavorable).

Nearly three-in-five Americans (58%) say they would not support the building of a data center in their local community. This includes a majority of Democrats, independents, and Republicans (63%, 56%, and 53%, respectively). Those most opposed to data center construction include:

  • Women (24% support – 60% oppose),
  • Americans 55 and up (26% support – 63% oppose),
  • Americans in the Midwest (30% support – 62% oppose),
  • Americans making less than $50,000 annually (26% support – 60% oppose), and
  • Passive news consumers (24% support – 60% oppose).
A Majority of Americans Now Oppose Building a Data Center in Their Local Community, a Significant Shift from Last December

When Navigator asked this in December, less than a third (32%) said they were opposed. The share of those who say they are “strongly opposed” to the construction of a data center in their community has doubled from 17% in December to 36% today.

Similarly, the share of those who say data centers are bad for the country has doubled from 18% in December to 41% today. And the share of those who say data centers are bad for the communities they’re established in has grown from 25% in December to 44% today.

Public Opinion on Data Center Construction Has Shifted Notably Toward the Negative, Both at National and Local Levels

Americans Oppose Unfettered Data Center Construction Amid Concerns About The Impact on Energy Costs and Water Usage

The biggest concern Americans have about data centers is increasing costs: that they will use too much energy and raise utility costs (44%). The other top concern is that data centers will use up scarce water resources (38%). It’s a large gap between those concerns and others about making electricity less reliable (29%) and that they are getting approved with too much secrecy and lack of say for local residents (24%).

Nearly three-in-five independents (29%) are concerned that data centers will rob them of open spaces and farmland. And 20% of Republicans are concerned that data centers may make America more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Key Concerns on Local Data Centers: Energy Use Driving Up Costs and Water Use

Amid these concerns, Americans have a deep desire to see data centers regulated, if not halted. Nearly two-thirds (65%), including 63% of independents and 56% of Republicans, say that the U.S. should halt or slow the construction of data centers while only 24% say the U.S. should encourage more construction of data centers.

Across Party Lines, Americans More Supportive of Data Center Approaches That Address Energy, Cost, and Health Concerns

Most Oppose the Way Trump Has Handled Data Centers, But Many Don’t Trust Either Party on AI or Data Centers

54% disapprove of the way President Trump has handled data centers. In recent weeks, Trump has referred to opposition to their construction as a “hoax” and has referred to those pushing back on data center construction as “backwards and poor.”

Americans Disapprove of Trump’s Handling of Data Centers

Americans’ distaste for Trump’s handling of data centers doesn’t translate into support for Democrats in Congress on the issue. A plurality (32%) trust neither Democrats nor Republicans on data centers. Similarly, 34% trust neither Democrats nor Republicans on AI.

Many Americans Do Not Trust Either Party on Data Centers or AI, More Than Say the Same on Other Issues

What Iowans Want – Lower Prices & Clean Water

Posted on by Julie

A Majority of Iowans Disapprove of Trump’s Handling of the Presidency, Economy, and Iran War

President Trump is underwater in a state he won by nearly 15 points in 2024. His net approval sits at -17 (41% approve – 58% disapprove, including 50% who strongly disapprove). Among moderate Iowans, Trump’s net approval is -51 (24% approve – 75% disapprove).

Three-in-five (60%) Iowans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, including 50% who strongly disapprove. Similarly, 61% disapprove of his handling of the Iran war, including 50% who strongly disapprove.

Chart from Navigator Research: Trump is Underwater by Double-Digits and is Rated Negatively by Nearly Three-in-Four Independents

A plurality (37%) say the most concerning action their elected representative could take would be “being blindly loyal to Trump, and will do what he says even if it’s worse for Iowa.”

Chart from Navigator Research: Iowans, Including Independents, are Most Concerned about Representatives Being Blindly Loyal to Trump

Iowans Don’t See Hinson as Looking Out for Them or Sharing Their Values

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) is underwater on several key traits among Iowans:

  • “Looking out for people like me” (33% describes well – 46% does not describe well),
  • “Shares my values” (38% describes well – 44% does not describe well), and
  • “Getting things done” (36% describes well – 43% does not describe well).
Chart from Navigator Research: Iowans Don’t Think Representative Hinson is Fighting Inflation or Can Bring Change to Washington

Iowans See a Dismal Economy Made Worse by Republican Elected Officials and Their Policies

Nearly seven-in-10 Iowans (69%) see the economy in a negative light and a majority (52%) say Republicans in Congress have “focused on policies that have made life less affordable.” 47% blame Trump and Republicans in Congress for rising costs, compared to just 35% who say the same for Democrats.  Iowans also blame specific policies from Trump and Republicans in Congress for increased costs – 21% blame tariffs and 16% blame the war with Iran.

Chart from Navigator Research: 7-in-10 Rate the Economy Negatively, including Over 80% of Independents

Iowans want their leaders in Washington to prioritize lowering costs and making the economy work, however, that is not what they see Republicans in Congress focused on. Nearly half (48%) list inflation and the cost of living as one of their top priorities for Congress to prioritize, but only 8% say that is a priority for President Trump and Republicans in Congress; 24% say Democrats in Congress are focused on the issue. Similarly, 39% want jobs and the economy to be a top priority for lawmakers, but only 13% see Trump and Republicans in Congress focused on it while 17% say the same about Democrats in Congress.

Chart from Navigator Research: Iowans See Trump and Republicans in Congress as too Focused on Immigration, Not Focused Enough on Costs

Iowans are nearly evenly split on whether they trust Republicans or Democrats more on handling the economy (41% Republicans – 37% Democrats) and lowering costs (37% Republicans – 36% Democrats). However, 20% and 24%, respectively, don’t trust either party on the issue. Rep. Hinson, specifically, was underwater on several economic values:

  • 45% say the phrase “lowering costs for working families” does not describe Hinson well compared to 33% who say it does,
  • 44% say the phrase “fighting inflation” does not describe Hinson well compared to 28% who say it does, and
  • 47% say the phrase “making healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable” does not describe Hinson well compared to 30% who say it does.

On Iowa-Specific Issues, Constituents Trust Democrats More than Republicans

Iowans are particularly concerned about lawmakers’ refusal to ban pesticides that pollute water (60% a serious concern). This comes as Iowa’s cancer rate is spiking due in part to contaminated water. By a 22-point margin, Iowans trust Democrats more on protecting drinking water than Republicans (42% Democrats – 20% Republicans), although 23% trust neither party on the issue. And when asked about Rep. Hinson specifically, a plurality say the phrase “ensuring our food and water is safe” does not describe her well (34% describe well – 41% does not describe well).

Hospitals and clinics across Iowa – particularly in rural Iowa – have been closing at worrying rates, some due in part to Medicaid cuts from the Republican tax law. This trend is worrying Iowans; nearly three-in-five (59%) say that they are very concerned about Medicaid cuts “forcing rural hospitals and clinics to close and cut services.” Iowans trust Democrats more than Republicans when it comes to keeping rural hospitals open (43% Democrats – 24% Republicans).

Iowans also trust Democrats more than Republicans on protecting public education (46% Democrats – 35% Republicans).

Chart from Navigator Research: Democrats Hold Trust Advantages on Protecting Abortion and Drinking Water and Keeping Rural Hospitals Open

Other policy actions that raise the most concerns for Iowans include:

  • Ending tax credits that help working people and small businesses pay for health insurance, driving up premiums by 114% (57% seriously concerned), 
  • Allowing big tech companies to build data centers with no restrictions (54% seriously concerned),
  • Getting support from pharmaceutical companies and the health care industry (54% seriously concerned), and
  • Passing handouts for and decreasing regulations on big food corporations (53% seriously concerned).
Chart from Navigator Research: Iowans Have Serious Concerns About Rep. Hinson’s Refusal to Ban Pesticides That Pollute Water and Her Support for Medicaid Cuts

Everything is Bigger in Texas, Including Concern over Cost and Corruption

Posted on by Tina Tang

Texans Want Elected Officials Who Share Their Values Without Being Blindly Loyal To Trump

Texans, like Americans in the battleground overall, would rather prioritize leaders who share their values (73%) over backing people based on political party (26%). What they are most concerned about is that their elected representative would be blindly loyal to Trump, even if it’s worse for Texas (37% concerned), use federal office for personal gain (22%), or prioritize wealthy and special interests over Texans (19%).

Texans Do Not See President Trump and Republicans in Congress Prioritizing the Issues That Matter to Them 

The top issues Texans want the president and Congress to focus on are inflation and the cost of living (53%, five points higher than battleground Americans overall), corruption in government (52%, five points higher than battleground Americans overall), jobs and the economy (35%), and immigration (34%, six points higher than battleground Americans overall). Meanwhile, they see President Trump and Republicans in Congress focused more on foreign conflicts than the cost of living. 

  • Texas is the only Navigator expanded battleground state where Americans ranked immigration as a top five issue. 
  • However, despite this focus on immigration, it trails issues like inflation and corruption, and there is still a 34-point gap between how much they want the president and Congress to focus on the issue of immigration, and how much they perceive President Trump and Republicans in Congress to be actually focusing on the issue. 

We know Americans across the country are feeling squeezed by the economy, and when we asked Texans what are the main changes that are necessary to improve our economic system, they told us:

  • Stop fraud and corruption in government. 
  • Higher taxes on the wealthy. 
  • Lower cost of living and inflation. 

Texans Have Deep Concerns About President Trump and Their Elected Officials 

Over half (56%) of Texans disapprove of how Donald Trump is handling his job as president, and the same share (56%) disapprove of his handling of the economy. Texans also blame Trump and Republicans in Congress for rising costs over Democrats in Congress by nine points (49% blame Trump/Republicans – 40% blame Democrats).

One-in-10 Texans who voted for Trump in 2024 now regret their vote, the highest share of the expanded battleground states where Navigator fielded (7% regret in Iowa, 6% regret in Ohio, 1% regret in Alaska).

Looking at the current elected leadership in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is deeply underwater when it comes to connecting with Texans. From standing up to corruption or lowering costs to looking out for people like me or bringing needed change, majorities of Texans do not see these actions or values reflected in their current elected representative. 

However, the only metric Texans felt AG Paxton embodied well is securing the border (51% describes official well – 39% describes not well). 

Texans in Particular Are Concerned About Data Centers, Rising Utility Costs, and Cutting Funding For Disaster Relief

Some of Texans’ top concerns are about the lack of restrictions on data centers and tariffs that have raised the cost of goods. In particular, compared to Americans in Navigator’s expanded battleground, Texans are concerned about: 

Cutting funding to federal disaster relief (40% rank as a serious concern, 6-points higher than Americans in the battleground overall).

Allowing big tech companies to build data centers with no restrictions (70% rank as a serious concern, eight points higher than Americans in the battleground overall). 

Allowing utility companies to raise utility rates (58% rank as a serious concern, seven points higher than Americans in the battleground overall). 

Americans Are Connecting the Dots on Corruption and Costs, and They’re Calling it Out 

Posted on by Tina Tang

Americans Feel Corruption in Their Pocketbooks and Want Elected Officials To Address It

Corruption isn’t just an abstract political issue for Americans, it’s a pocketbook one. Four-in-five Americans (81%) see corruption in government as raising costs, and nearly half (48%) feel this way strongly. Non-MAGA Republicans (82%) and independents (75%) are especially likely to say this is the case. 

When asked to name the culprits behind these rising costs, most Americans point to elected officials allowing waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars (82% raises costs, including 52% raises costs a lot) and protecting monopolies and large corporations that price gouge consumers (82% raises cost, including 49% raises costs a lot). 

Chart from Navigator Research: Wasting Taxpayer Dollars & Protecting Monopolies Seen as Most Raising Costs; Secondarily, Special Interest/Wealthy Favors

Cracking Down on Unfair Price Gouging and Prosecuting Corporate Fraud Are Seen As Most Effective Ways To Address Corruption and Lower Costs 

When it comes to solutions, Americans have a clear preference. Three-in-five (60%) agree cracking down on price gouging is the best way to reduce costs, compared to only one-in-three (33%) who say capping prices of things like utilities and prescription drugs is the best solution. Independents (net +24 points) and Republicans (net +41 points) feel especially strongly about cracking down on corruption in comparison to capping prices. Notably, nearly one-in-five (16%) independents have yet to make up their mind.

Chart from Navigator Research: Americans See Cracking Down on Price Gouging as a Better Solution to Lowering Costs Than Price Caps

Americans want accountability and relief. The top three measures to address corruption – recovering and returning stolen money to taxpayers (66% strongly support), prosecuting corporate wage theft (65% strongly support), and banning companies from unfairly raising costs (62% strongly support) – reflect a desire to hold bad actors accountable. But there is also strong support for measures that would directly lower costs, including banning unfair price hikes during emergencies or shortages (60% very important), capping hidden fees (57% very important), prosecuting corporations for fraud (56% very important), and banning the use of personal data to charge consumers differently (56% very important).

Chart from Navigator Research: Most Popular/Cost-Lowering Against Corruption: Taking on Corporations, Returning Money, Banning Insider Trading

Americans View Trump and His Family, Billionaires, and Corporations As the Most Corrupt

President Trump and his family (48%) are viewed as the most corrupt when stacked against billionaires, CEOs, lobbyists, and other political officials. While Democrats overwhelmingly share this view (79%), it is also shared by nearly half (47%) of Trump regretters and a third (34%) of independents and non-MAGA Republicans. Communities of color (60%) also view Trump as the most corrupt, compared to less than half (42%) of white Americans.

Chart from Navigator Research: Trump Family and Billionaires/CEOs Most Seen as Involved in Corruption

Americans name oil and gas companies (47%), prescription drug companies (42%), big tech and AI companies (40%), and health insurance companies (37%) as the most corrupt industries. But there are partisan divisions around which corporations are the most corrupt. Democrats (56%) are more likely to name oil and gas companies, a villain also most salient amongst Trump regretters (47%). Republicans (45%) and independents (42%) are more likely to call out the prescription drug industry. Media stands out as its own flashpoint with MAGA Republicans (42%) in particular calling the industry corrupt, compared to 31% of non-MAGA Republicans and just 17% of independents.

Chart from Navigator Research: Oil and Gas, Drug Companies/Health Insurance, Big Tech Companies Seen as Most Involved in Corruption

Most Convincing Argument To Address Corruption Connects to Costs and Emphasizes No One is Above the Law

The most convincing argument for addressing corruption emphasizes that whether they are a politician, billionaire CEO, or wealthy donor – no one is above the law. Three-in-four found this statement to be convincing, including 54% who found it to be extremely convincing. Americans across demographics agreed, but it was especially salient for women (57% extremely convincing), Americans over 55 (63% extremely convincing), non-MAGA Republicans (55% extremely convincing). Independents and non-MAGA Republicans found this messaging to be the most convincing (50% extremely convincing) among the tested messages.

Chart from Navigator Research: On Corruption: No One Should Be Above the Law, We Should Crack Down on Waste, and We Need to Return Stolen Money

Americans are also convinced Washington’s corruption problem is bipartisan, so any effective message should acknowledge this reality. By 20 points, more feel corruption under Trump outweighs past presidencies (54% Trump is more corrupt – 34% Trump isn’t more corrupt than anyone else). However, by nearly 50 points, Americans feel Washington has a major corruption problem in both parties (70% both sides are corrupt – 23% Trump isn’t more corrupt than anyone else).

Chart from Navigator Research: Americans Continue to Be More Convinced D.C. Has a Bipartisan Corruption Problem More Than Think Trump Is Singular Culprit

Messaging Framework When Advocating for Action To Address Corruption  

  1. Cost of living is top of mind for Americans, and rampant corruption is making it worse. Anti-corruption messaging and policies that address both in tandem are winners. 
  2. Acknowledge the status quo in Washington is broken, don’t try to defend it.
  3. Focus on the point that no one is above the law. Use messaging like: Corruption is raising everyday costs – we need to crack down on corruption because no one should be above the law, whether they are a politician, billionaire CEO, or wealthy donor. 
  4. Pick an effective villain, such as the large corporations Americans already believe are screwing everyone over. 
  5. Name a solution that focuses on accountability and actually lowering costs. Americans overwhelmingly agree cracking down on corporate price gouging is the most effective way to lower costs and address corruption. Other popular actions include:
    • Returning stolen money to taxpayers.
    • Banning insider trading in government.
    • Taking on big corporations with a range of actions: prosecuting corporate crimes, banning unfair price hikes, limiting corporate spending on elections, and banning surveillance pricing.

No Matter How They Define It, Majority of Americans Agree: Trump Embodies Corruption

Posted on by avery

Corruption is a Key Priority, But Types of Corruption Differ in Relevance 

Corruption consistently ranks as a top-five issue for Americans, nationally and even higher in the battleground. Americans want Congress and the President to focus on inflation and the cost of living (60%), jobs and the economy (46%), healthcare (42%), Social Security and Medicare (37%) and corruption in government (32%). 

Despite corruption in government being a top issue Americans want the president and Congress to work on, not all corruption is created equal. Americans who rank corruption as a key priority think of corruption as a range of different definitions: elected officials engaging in lies and crimes (26%), Trump and Republicans’ actions (25%) and elected officials getting rich in office (19%).

Chart from Navigator Research: “Corruption” Means Elected Officials Lying, Committing Crimes, and Getting Rich in Office – Particularly, Trump and Republicans

Democrats (43%) are much more likely to identify elected officials giving wealthy donors and large corporations special treatment from the government, while Republicans (45%) identify allowing waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars as corruption. Independents are more split amongst the two, with 33% identifying corruption as special treatment for the rich, while 29% identify it as waste and fraud.

Chart from Navigator Research: Views of Corruption Vary By Party – Democrats Say Special Treatment for the Rich, Republicans Say Waste & Fraud

While views on corruption differ by party, a majority of Americans (88%) say many to nearly all elected officials are corrupt. Independents (40%) are especially likely to say “nearly all” are corrupt, compared to 32% of Democrats and 31% of Republicans. 

Most See President Trump and Republicans as More Corrupt

No matter how Americans define it, most see President Trump and Republicans as more corrupt. A majority of Americans (60%) say Trump is bringing more corruption to Washington, 20-points higher than those who say he’s fixing it. In February of 2025, this difference was only two points (51% bringing corruption to Washington – 49% fixing it). Nearly all Democrats (92%) share this view, as well as strong majorities of Trump regretters (72%) and independents (71%).

When asked which party they deem to be more corrupt, Americans say the Republican Party by 12 points (46% Republican Party is more corrupt – 34% Democratic Party is more corrupt). Adding President Trump to the choice only widens the gap (51% – Trump and the Republican Party is more corrupt – 32% Democratic Party is more corrupt). 

  • Black (71%) and Latino (65%) Americans feel especially strongly that Trump and the Republican Party is more corrupt, compared to white (46%) Americans. 
Chart from Navigator Research: Growing Shares Say Trump & GOP Are More Corrupt Than Democrats; Even More Corrupt When Trump Is Included

Americans consistently report Republicans as being more likely to engage in a range of corrupt acts, from giving wealthy donors special treatment to protecting monopolies to price gouge Americans.

Chart from Navigator Research: Republicans Seen as Guiltier of a Range of Corruption – Especially Protecting Corporations, Benefiting Personal Businesses/Donors

Despite Americans viewing Republicans as more likely to be corrupt, this does not mean they trust Democrats to handle corruption. Americans are split on who they trust to take on corruption, with about one-third (35%) saying they trust the Democratic Party, one-third (33%) putting their trust in the Republican Party and another third (32%) reluctant to trust either party or don’t know.

The Political System, Presidency, and Congress Seen as Most Broken and Needing Major Changes

When asked about a variety of U.S. systems, programs, and institutions, Americans ranked the political system (58% broken), Congress (53% broken) and the presidency (52% broken), as the most broken. 

A majority (59%) believe the political system needs major changes, and nearly one-in-five (17%) believe it needs to be torn down completely. Younger Americans ages 18-34  are more likely to say the political system is broken (65%), compared to older Americans (35-54, 55% broken – 55 and older, 56% broken). Three-quarters (74%) believe the economy needs either major changes or to be torn down completely, and sentiment shared especially strongly by independents (57% needs major change).

The political system and Congress are viewed as both the most broken and in need of change, while the economy and healthcare are viewed as less broken, but still deeply in need of change. Notably, basic needs programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP are seen as among the least broken programs and in need of fewer changes. The same can be said about our election system. 

Chart from Navigator Research: The Political System & Congress Are Most Broken/Need Major Changes; Programs Like Medicaid in Better Shape

Feeling Duped: Trump Voters Go From Hope to Regret

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

One-in-Five Continue to Regret Their Vote For Trump

Quote Graphic From A GA Black Man Trump Regretter

One-in-five Americans who voted for President Trump in 2024 now regret their choice.

  • 36% of economic persuadables who voted for President Trump, those who disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy but distrust Democrats more on economic issues, regret voting for Trump.
  • 30% of Trump voters 18-34 now regret their vote. This is nearly triple the rate of Trump voters over 55 (12%) and well above the rate for Trump voters 35-54 (18%). 
  • 34% of Black and 32% of Latino Americans who voted for President Trump now regret their vote, double the rate of white Trump voters (16%) who now regret their vote. 
  • 25% of independents or non-MAGA Republicans who voted for President Trump now regret their vote, including 37% of independent men. 
  • 22% of moms who voted for President Trump now regret their vote compared to just 13% of dads. 
20260903 One in Five 2024 Trump Voters Regret Their Choice, Especially Younger, Non-Republican, Non-MAGA Americans

Trump Regretters Are Even More Sour on Trump and the Economy Than Americans Overall

Quote Graphic From AZ White Woman Trump Regretter Focus Group

Americans across the board are souring on the economy and current administration, but this sentiment is especially shared by those who now feel remorse for their 2024 vote. Four-in-five (81%) Trump regretters rate the economy negatively, eight points higher than Americans overall (73%). Additionally, Trump regretters are feeling more down about their personal financial situations, with nearly seven-in-10 (69%) feeling uneasy, six points higher than Americans overall (63%).

20260903 Trump Regretters Are Deeply Negative on the Economy

Unsurprisingly, Trump regretters are deeply dissatisfied with President Trump’s second term so far. Three quarters (74%) of Trump regretters disapprove of President Trump’s job performance, compared to 60% of Americans overall. Nearly four-in-five (77%) also disapprove of his handling of the economy, compared to 63% of Americans overall. 

Trump regretters are also deeply negative on a range of key issues:

  • 83% disapprove of President Trump’s handling of gas prices, eight points higher than Americans overall.
  • 77% disapprove of President Trump’s handling of healthcare, 15 points higher than Americans overall. 
  • 74% disapprove of President Trump’s handling of foreign policy, 14 points higher than Americans overall. 
  • 83% disapprove of President Trump’s handling of grocery prices, nine points higher than Americans overall. 
20260903 Trump Regretters Are Even More Negative on Trump Than Americans Overall – Especially on Gas, Groceries, and Inflation

Like Americans more broadly, Trump regretters want the president and Congress to focus on inflation and the cost of living, jobs and the economy, and healthcare. Instead, they see President Trump and Republicans in Congress prioritizing foreign conflicts and immigration, rather than helping Americans make ends meet.

20260903 GA White Woman Trump Regretter Quote

High Costs and Expensive Wars Among Top Reasons Why Trump Voters Regret Their Vote

20260903 NV Hispanic Man Trump Regretter Quote

Americans have been squeezed from every direction: Trump’s tariffs have raised the costs of everyday goods, and the war with Iran sent gas prices soaring. Navigator has consistently found rising costs and the war with Iran among the top reasons Trump regretters cite for their remorse.

20260903 Drivers of Regret Include Broken Promises, Dragging the U.S. Into Foreign Conflicts Like the War With Iran, and High Costs

Nearly half (45%) cite the war with Iran as a main reason for regret, as well as prices and the cost of living (43%), healthcare cuts (38%), and focusing on the wrong priorities like the White House ballroom (36%).

20260903 NC Hispanic Man Trump Regretter Quote

Trump Regretters Less Likely to Remain Loyal to the GOP 

Nearly one-in-10 (8%) Trump voters say they no longer support President Trump and would change their vote if they could. This includes 26% of Democratic or Independent Trump voters and 12% of non-MAGA Republican Trump voters who would now change their vote.

20260903 One in Ten 2024 Trump Voters Say They Would Change Their Vote If They Could

You can find additional research from Navigator Research on Trump regretters here and here.