Polls show strong support for Trump among GOP voters, even as multiple legal investigations and indictments loom over him.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll reveals that former President Donald Trump maintains a commanding 37-point national lead over his GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and the rest of the field. However, the poll’s deeper takeaway centers around the steadfast backing of Trump from the Republican base, despite ongoing investigations and legal challenges.
The survey shows that 71% of GOP primary voters believe the party should continue to stand behind Trump during these tumultuous times, with only 22% suggesting otherwise. This indicates a strong unity among Republicans in supporting Trump amid the multiple legal hurdles he faces. Additionally, 71% of GOP voters feel Trump has not committed any serious crimes, while 17% believe otherwise.
Trump’s influence on the Republican Party is also reflected in the ideological shifts within the party. A significant portion of GOP voters, 75%, believe Trump was merely exercising his right to contest the results of the 2020 election, with only 19% seeing his actions as a threat to democracy. On foreign policy, 70% of Republicans express a preference for focusing less on international issues, while 69% agree that America has lost out due to increased trade, with job losses being a key concern.
Regarding domestic policy, 62% of GOP voters believe the nation is at risk of failure due to its current problems. Additionally, 59% prefer maintaining current Social Security and Medicare benefits, with only 29% supporting efforts to reduce the budget deficit. The poll also shows a division over U.S. involvement in Ukraine, with 53% opposing further aid to the country, while 44% support it.
Lastly, the poll highlights that 65% of GOP voters are more likely to support a candidate focused on restoring law and order in the U.S., particularly in regard to the streets and the border, rather than focusing on defeating what they view as “radical” ideology in schools, media, and culture. This indicates how Trump’s influence continues to reshape the priorities of the Republican Party.