Trump's Second 100 Days: Voters’ Deep Concern About Economy, Division, and Governance Presents Opportunity for Congress to Lead with Bipartisanship
American Democracy Rising as a Top Issue for Voters
One hundred days into Donald Trump's second term, registered voters are signaling serious concerns about the country's direction, according to new nationwide polling conducted by the Bullfinch Group for Exiled Policy.
The survey, which interviewed 1,000 registered voters between April 18–24, 2025, finds both Congress and President Trump facing net negative approval. Only 46% approve of President Trump’s job performance, while 51% disapprove. Congress is viewed even less favorably, with just 40% of voters approving and 49% disapproving of its performance.
Both major political parties are currently viewed with skepticism. Democrats hold a slight edge in favorability (47% approve, 47% disapprove), while Republicans are underwater (45% approve, 50% disapprove). These numbers highlight a public mood of distrust and dissatisfaction toward political leadership across the board.
The Economy Is the Dominant Concern
When asked to rank national issues by importance, voters overwhelmingly placed the economy at the top. 32% rank economic concerns — including jobs, inflation, taxes, and food prices — as the most pressing issue facing the nation. Immigration (16%) and American democracy (15%) follow, but lag significantly behind.
Economic anxiety runs deep:
66% say that rising prices are negatively affecting their quality of life
54% expect a recession in the near future
Only 44% believe their financial situation will improve in the next year; 36% expect it to worsen
71% express concern about the $245 billion increase in the national budget deficit during Trump's first 100 days
When asked how they feel about the economy under Trump, voters are sharply divided. Just 20% describe themselves as “optimistic,” another 16% feel “confident.” But, a troubling 30% say they feel “terrified,” and 12% feel “apprehensive.” Furthermore, 90% of voters believe that a strong dollar is important to them, with 67% noting this as “very important.”
Demand for Bipartisanship and Strong Oversight
Despite the division frequently showcased by the media, voters show strong support for bipartisan action and checks on presidential power, consistently cutting across political lines:
80% want more members of Congress to work across party lines
Including 79% of Republicans and 76% of Independents
69% view bipartisan work as an act of courage, not weakness
Including 70% of Republicans and 67% of Independents
70% support members of Congress standing up to President Trump when they believe he is overstepping his authority
Including 67% of Republicans and 66% of Independents
71% support members standing up to their own party leaders when necessary
Including 76% of Republicans, 81% of Democrats, and 66% of Independents
Voters also want congressional oversight on key issues:
69% support Congress challenging Trump on tariffs
Including 63% of Republicans and 65% of Independents
63% support standing up to Trump on immigration policies
Including 56% of Republicans and 60% of Independents
68% support standing up on federal spending
Including 64% of Republicans and 67% of Independents
68% want Congress to confront Trump on the growing national deficit
Including 61% of Republicans and 63% of Independents
66% want congressional input on military operations
Including 62% of Republicans and 58% of Independents
These results show a clear mandate for an independent-minded, active, and bipartisan Congress willing to check executive overreach, regardless of which party controls the executive or legislative branches at any given time.
Widespread Opposition to Harsh Immigration Policies
The survey also tested public reaction to several immigration and deportation proposals, many associated with the Trump administration and its rhetoric. Registered voters overwhelmingly oppose mass deportation actions:
67% oppose deporting legal U.S. residents
62% oppose deporting birthright citizens
54% oppose deporting visa holders
64% oppose deporting individuals for speaking out against Trump
56% oppose deporting seasonal workers
Moreover, voters see a direct connection between immigration policy and their wallets. 63% believe the cost of groceries would increase if America deported all undocumented seasonal workers, signaling that economic self-interest might temper immigration hardline stances.
Conclusion
At the 100-day mark, Trump faces a skeptical electorate anxious about the economy, distrustful of Washington, and hungry for bipartisan leadership. If current trends hold, economic outcomes — not just political rhetoric — will likely decide the 2026 and 2028 elections.
The Bullfinch Group conducted the national survey from April 18-24, 2025. The results among the 1,200 adults have a margin of error of ± 2.83 percent, and the results among the 1,000 registered voters (RV) have a margin of error of ± 3.1 percent.