On the eve of Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, a recent poll revealed that two-thirds of Americans believe the checks and balances in our government aren’t working effectively. This represents a significant increase in skepticism—up 12 points from last year, and double what it was just before Trump resumed office in December 2024.
This declining trust spans political lines. Democrats and independents reported drops of 45 and 34 points respectively, while even Republicans, who dominate both Congress and the presidency, show a 19-point decrease in confidence.
Kimberly Wehle, a constitutional law expert at the University of Baltimore, views this as a red flag. She notes that the very foundations of democracy are being eroded. A significant check on Trump’s policies came from the Supreme Court, which recently struck down his tariffs on foreign goods. This ruling comes just before the poll was taken, highlighting ongoing tensions between the administration and the judiciary.
In a stunning reaction, Trump criticized the justices following this defeat, claiming he is unconcerned whether they attend his address. He even hinted that he might find a new legal way to implement his tariff plan, challenging the judiciary once more.
The sentiment toward Trump’s presidency is mixed, with 55% of Americans believing his policies are making things worse. Notably, the concern about his impact has climbed 7 points since last March. Wehle articulated that the political landscape has “degraded” in ways that threaten the balance of power that is essential to democracy, saying, “There’s no enforcement” against overreaching executive actions.
However, not everyone shares her alarm. John Yoo, a law professor at UC Berkeley, suggests that consolidating power in the presidency is not an unprecedented shift but rather a return to historical norms before the Watergate scandal. He argues this perspective of increased executive authority aligns more closely with the framers’ original vision for presidential power.
Over the last year, Trump has significantly expedited his agenda, often sidestepping Congress entirely. He has issued 243 executive orders—more than any president in a four-year term since Jimmy Carter. This rapid approach raises concerns about the future functioning of the government. According to Wehle, the lack of consequences for overstepping boundaries could lead to long-term instability.
Public sentiment reflects a country divided on these issues. More than three-quarters of survey respondents view current divisions as a serious threat to democracy. This anxiety echoes sentiments seen after the January 6 Capitol riots.
The run-up to Trump’s State of the Union is especially crucial. Politically, he faces pressure to reframe his agenda. The majority of Americans feel the country is worse off than it was a year ago, with only 43% believing in the strength of the union.
As Trump prepares to address Congress, his past actions and their real-world implications will likely shape the reception he receives. Both sides of the aisle are gearing up for a confrontation, with many Democrats planning alternative events while Trump’s supporters cheer.
Amid this tension, it’s clear that America’s political climate is under strain, illustrating the depth of public concerns about the current state of democracy. Whether Trump’s upcoming speech will resonate positively or further highlight divisions remains to be seen.
For further insights into public opinion trends, you can explore the full details of the poll conducted by PBS News, NPR, and Marist here.
