A strong majority of American voters are united in their opposition to a potential government shutdown, according to the latest Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, released on Monday by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW).
The monthly survey highlights a pervasive sense of political dysfunction, with three-quarters of voters believing that political rhetoric has become too extreme, and a sharp decline in congressional approval.
Strong Opposition to Government Shutdown
The poll found that a staggering 70% of voters oppose a government shutdown, signaling widespread frustration with the brinkmanship in Washington. Furthermore, 53% of voters assign the blame for a shutdown to Republicans, though a majority (62%) still believe Republicans would ultimately “win” the shutdown.
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Despite this sentiment, a significant number of voters—65% overall—say that Democrats should end the shutdown by accepting a continuing resolution at current spending levels, highlighting a desire for an immediate resolution, regardless of partisan preference.
Political Climate Deemed “Too Extreme”
Voters’ disapproval extends beyond budget battles, touching the very tone of political discourse. 75% of voters say the rhetoric of politicians has become too extreme, with 72% asserting that this rhetoric is leading to violence. This concern is broadly aimed, with 58% of voters saying President Donald Trump’s rhetoric is too extreme and 57% saying the same of leading Democratic and Republican politicians.
The survey also touched on recent political violence, finding an overwhelming majority of voters (78% to 83%) believe the assassinations of key figures were unjustified, though a troubling minority (17% to 23%) viewed them as justified. A majority of voters across both parties, 86% of Democrats and 83% of Republicans, explicitly reject the use of political violence to advance their party’s goals.
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The majority also found the media celebration of Charlie Kirk’s death inappropriate (85%), yet 62% believe such words and actions are protected by the First Amendment.
Congressional Approval Hits New Low Amid Economic Woes
Voters’ exasperation is reflected in approval ratings. Congressional approval dropped five points to a low of 32%. While the Republican Party approval rating held steady at 47%, the Democratic Party saw a slight one-point bump to 42%.
Economic anxiety remains the top concern, with 43% of voters saying inflation is the most important issue to them personally. A large majority—65% of voters—believe inflation is above 3 percent, and 56% believe the economy is shrinking.
Voters are split 50-50 on whether Trump’s policies are strengthening or weakening the U.S. economy, though 58% say his tariffs are harming the economy, and 56% say he is losing the battle against inflation.
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Trump Support Remains Strong Despite Concerns
Despite criticism on his economic performance and rhetoric, a majority of voters still approve of most of Trump’s policy positions, with 18 out of 20 of his policies receiving majority support. Most popular are lowering prescription drug prices (86%) and deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (78%).
However, the poll also shows a mixed view of his executive behavior: 55% of voters say Trump has exceeded his authority as President, and 56% believe he is not abiding by all court rulings. Still, 52% say he is doing a better job than Joe Biden did as President, and 52% view him as a strong president rather than a fascist dictator.
American Dream Fades for Many
The poll also highlighted deep-seated concerns about the American Dream. While 78% of voters favor free enterprise over socialism, a plurality of 38% believe they will never live the American Dream, with only 28% saying they are living it now.
Despite this, 61% of voters believe hard work can still earn them enough to own a house and have a family, though this sentiment is notably stronger among Republicans, males, and 25-44-year-olds.
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