Voters Torn Between Support for Cuts and Concerns Over DOGE's Execution, Poll Reveals

Voters are voicing concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its recent spending cuts, even as they acknowledge the need for financial tightening, according to a new Fox News poll. While many view the national debt as a crisis, there’s widespread skepticism about how the cuts are being implemented.

Here’s the paradox: Nearly 6 in 10 voters believe government spending is wasteful, yet only 51% support significant reductions in government employees. Meanwhile, 65% worry that the cuts are poorly planned, and 56% disapprove of the Trump administration’s approach to identifying and reducing waste.

Across party lines, concerns are palpable. While 88% of Democrats and 71% of Independents are uneasy about the cuts’ execution, even 39% of Republicans share those doubts. Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE isn’t earning rave reviews either, with 58% disapproving of his role. The divide is sharp—93% of Democrats disapprove, alongside 70% of Independents and even 20% of Republicans.

When it comes to specific federal programs, voters are clear about their priorities. Majorities want to increase funding for Social Security (63%), Medicare and Medicaid (58%), and medical research (53%). On military and national defense, opinions are split, with 44% favoring increased spending. Humanitarian foreign aid, however, remains divisive—while 23% support funding hikes, 39% want cuts.

Tariffs are another sore spot. Most voters (69%) believe tariffs are driving up prices on everyday goods, and 53% think they’re harming the economy. Interestingly, 55% support tariffs on Chinese goods, but opposition rises when it comes to Mexico (56%) and Canada (61%).

The overall economic picture isn’t rosy. A staggering 79% of voters now view the economy negatively, a jump from 70% just two months ago. Inflation remains a pressing issue, with 47% saying it’s completely out of control, though that’s an improvement from 56% earlier this year. Recession fears loom large, with 70% of voters expecting one in 2025.

Personal finances reflect this broader unease. While 60% rate their financial situation negatively, there’s a minor silver lining—this is a slight improvement from 62% in December.

Trump’s second term isn’t immune to criticism either. While he enjoys a 49% job approval rating, his numbers on the economy (43% approval) and inflation (40% approval) are underwater. Border security remains his strongest area, with 56% approval.

As Republican pollster Daron Shaw notes, "Even though partisans have adjusted their attitudes with the change in administrations, the public as a whole remains jittery about the economy." The aggressive pace of DOGE’s actions and Trump’s tariff policies have clearly rattled voters across the spectrum, with many waiting to see if these measures will yield tangible results.

Overall, voter satisfaction with the country’s direction has improved slightly—43% now say they’re satisfied, up from 31% in December. However, 57% remain dissatisfied, showing that optimism is still in short supply.