Most Americans view Trump as a 'dangerous dictator': Poll
4 Min Read
A new public opinion poll finds that a majority of Americans believe Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, expressing concern over his policies on immigration, federal agencies, and civil rights.
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President Donald Trump arrives to welcome the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles NFL football team to the South Lawn of the White House, April 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
A majority of Americans believe that Donald Trump is a "dangerous dictator" who poses a threat to American democracy, according to a newly released public opinion poll. The survey, published on Tuesday to mark Trump’s 100th day in office, highlights widespread concerns over his consolidation of power and controversial actions, such as the mass dismissal of federal employees.
The findings also reflect diminishing support for Trump's immigration and economic policies, which were two central pillars of his 2016 campaign.
Declining support among independents, minorities
Only 40% of Americans expressed a favorable opinion of Trump after his first 100 days in office, according to the poll conducted by the non-partisan Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).
The poll found that 52% of respondents agreed with the provocative statement that Trump is "a dangerous dictator whose powers must be curbed before he destroys American democracy." Alarmingly for the former president, 56% of independent voters, key to his political base, also shared this view, signaling a shift among moderate voters who once supported him.
Key issues behind public discontent
The poll reveals high dissatisfaction with Trump's push for mass deportations, sweeping tariffs, federal oversight of universities, and the firing or forced resignation of over 100,000 federal employees. These actions have raised red flags across the political spectrum.
The Trump administration has also unilaterally dismantled diversity and equity programs, revoked student visas, and continued detaining individuals, such as one man mistakenly deported, despite court orders demanding their return.
GOP support wavers
While Trump continues to enjoy support from 83% of Republicans, that figure is relatively low compared to earlier years. Among independents, only 35% hold a favorable view, while just 8% of Democrats express the same.
Many respondents voiced concern over Trump’s attempts to restructure government agencies, impose tariffs, and carry out deportations without due process.
The perception of Trump as a "dangerous dictator" is notably more prevalent among Black, Latino, and Asian Americans, with majorities in all three groups expressing agreement. In contrast, 45% of white Americans held this view, illustrating the racial divisions his presidency continues to inflame.
Controversial immigration, government restructuring moves
“Most Americans view Trump in dictatorial terms, and I think most Americans are concerned that American democracy is on the line,” said Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, in comments to Axios.
“It's only been 100 days into the Trump administration, yet we've really seen a pushback among most Americans to the Trump agenda,” she added.
Still, 81% of Republicans surveyed said they believe "Trump is a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore America's greatness," a sentiment shared by 51% of white Americans.
Sharp divide on economic and immigration policies
Trump has dismissed media polls showing declining approval, calling them “fake” on his Truth Social platform. He went further by demanding investigations into polling organizations, accusing them of election manipulation.
Despite these claims, Americans remain deeply divided on his broader immigration goals. However, the poll indicates widespread rejection of unconstitutional or inhumane practices.
For example, 61% of Americans oppose detaining undocumented immigrants in military-run camps until deportation. A clear majority also believes that Trump overstepped his authority in ordering mass dismissals across multiple federal agencies.
More than 70% oppose shutting down or drastically reducing federal agencies, especially when such measures could impact public safety, air travel, medicine, or water quality. Two-thirds of respondents also disapprove of imposing new tariffs or taxes on imported goods.
Deckman concluded that Trump’s attempts to address economic challenges are facing stiff resistance from public opinion.
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