Majority Of AAPI Adults Disapprove Of Trump’s Priorities
Photo: @WhiteHouse
India-West Staff Reporter
CHICAGO, IL — As the Trump administration presses forward with its policy agenda, a new poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals widespread disapproval among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults. The survey shows that most AAPI adults disagree with the administration’s handling of major issues, including the economy, government spending, and the role of federal agencies.
According to the poll, 71% of AAPI adults disapprove of how President Trump is managing the economy and trade, while 68% disapprove of his management of the federal government. Nearly two-thirds (63%) are unhappy with the administration’s approach to government spending. Overall, 55% say Trump is focusing on the wrong priorities, with just 18% believing he’s on the right track.
The poll also highlights growing concerns over the influence of individuals like Elon Musk, recently appointed as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. More than three-quarters (76%) of AAPI adults say Musk has too much influence on the federal government.
Strong Support for Federal Agencies and Social Programs
AAPI adults also voiced strong opposition to eliminating key federal agencies. Sixty-nine percent oppose dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while 67% are against shutting down the Department of Education. A smaller majority (55%) oppose eliminating the U.S. Agency for International Development.
In addition, two-thirds of respondents oppose cuts to federal funding for K–12 schools that teach about the continuing impact of slavery and racism in the United States.
Mixed Party Trust, But Democrats Lead on Key Issues
While opposition to the Trump administration’s policies is clear, AAPI adults are divided in their trust of political parties on several high-priority issues, particularly around the economy, inflation, and immigration.
However, Democrats maintain a strong lead over Republicans in areas such as:
- Climate change (56% vs. 15%)
- Education (50% vs. 19%)
- Health care reform (45% vs. 18%)
- Foreign policy (42% vs. 25%)
“Neither party has the full faith of the community when it comes to addressing top concerns like economic issues and inflation,” said Jennifer Benz, deputy director of the AP-NORC Center.
“AAPI adults widely disapprove of the administration’s handling of diversity, education, and economic policy,” added Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data and a researcher at UC Berkeley.
Divided Opinions on Immigration
The poll shows nuanced views on immigration enforcement. While 43% of AAPI adults support deporting all undocumented immigrants, that number drops to 20% among adults aged 18–29 and rises to about half among those 45 and older.
AAPI adults express stronger agreement when it comes to deporting individuals convicted of violent crimes, with 83% in support. However, only 27% support deportations if it means separating undocumented parents from U.S.-born children.
On enforcement practices, 60% of AAPI adults oppose arrests of undocumented individuals in hospitals, and 52% are against such actions in churches or places of worship—figures nearly identical to the general population.
There is also resistance to proposals aimed at changing immigration law:
- 56% oppose eliminating birthright citizenship for children of parents in the U.S. on temporary visas.
- 50% oppose eliminating it for children of undocumented immigrants.
- Half of respondents also oppose reducing family-sponsored and temporary work visas, including the widely-used H-1B visa.
Deep Concern About Climate Change
Climate change emerged as a significant issue in the survey, with eight in ten AAPI adults reporting firsthand experience with an extreme weather event in the last five years. The most commonly cited events include heat waves (65%), severe winter storms (46%), and wildfires (32%).
Compared to the general public, AAPI adults are more likely to believe that climate change will have a major impact on their health and quality of life. While 21% say their health has already been affected, 53% expect significant impacts in the future.
There is broad support for government aid following natural disasters, including:
- 58% in favor of federal support for rebuilding homes
- 62% supporting assistance to make properties more disaster-resistant
- 60% backing federal insurance programs for at-risk communities lacking access to private insurance
