• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

2

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

3

Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

2

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

3

Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
PoliticsDonald Trump

Do Americans support Trump’s Day 1 executive orders? Here’s what polling shows

By
Amelia Thomson-Deveaux
Amelia Thomson-Deveaux
,
Linley Sanders
Linley Sanders
, and
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Amelia Thomson-Deveaux
Amelia Thomson-Deveaux
,
Linley Sanders
Linley Sanders
, and
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Down Arrow Button Icon
January 21, 2025, 7:08 AM ET
People watch the 60th Presidential Inauguration from Emancipation Hall, on Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
People watch the 60th Presidential Inauguration from Emancipation Hall, on Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.Al Drago—Pool Photo via AP

President Donald Trump ‘s second term began with efforts to deliver on key campaign promises, including his vows to crack down on immigration and restore “ energy dominance.”

Recommended Video

In his first Oval Office appearance in his second term, he issued sweeping pardons for people charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and declared a “national emergency” at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Some of these early moves are likely to be popular with the public. Most Americans think increasing security at the U.S.-Mexico border should be at least “a moderate priority” for the federal government, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, and about half think it should be a high priority.

But some of his other pledges — pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, increasing oil drilling on federal lands and ending birthright citizenship — are less widely favored. The poll found that pardoning most people who participated in 2021 riot is particularly unpopular.

Here’s what Americans think about some of the major actions that Trump has promised.

US adults are split on mass deportations, but most support deporting immigrants convicted of violent crime

Executive orders previewed Monday by an incoming White House official are intended to end asylum access, send troops to the U.S.-Mexico border and end birthright citizenship.

The January poll found that targeted deportations of immigrants who have been convicted of a crime would be popular, even if they involved immigrants who are in the country legally, but that support doesn’t extend to mass deportations.

About 8 in 10 U.S. adults favor deporting all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who have been convicted of a violent crime – including about two-thirds who are strongly in favor – and about 7 in 10 support deporting all immigrants living in the U.S. legally who have been convicted of a violent crime.

Deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally and have not been convicted of a crime is a much more divisive proposal. US adults are slightly more likely to oppose this policy than to favor it, and only about 4 in 10 are in support.

More oppose than favor changes to birthright citizenship

Ending birthright citizenship would be legally challenging for Trump, and it’s also not popular. Relatively few Americans – about 3 in 10 – favor changing the Constitution so that children born in the U.S. are not automatically granted citizenship if their parents are in the country illegally, according to a January AP-NORC poll.

There’s a big partisan divide, with about half of Republicans supporting an end to birthright citizenship compared to about 1 in 10 Democrats.

Only about 2 in 10 support pardoning most Jan. 6 participants

Trump said he was pardoning about 1,500 defendants and commuting six sentences.

About 2 in 10 U.S. adults favor pardoning most people who participated in the attack, according to the AP-NORC poll. A larger share — about 6 in 10 — oppose it, including half who are strongly opposed.

Republicans are divided on the the issue. About 4 in 10 Republicans favor pardoning many of the Jan. 6 participants, while about 3 in 10 are opposed.

About half oppose withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement

The new White House announced almost immediately that the U.S. will again withdraw from the Paris climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

About half of Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” oppose that action, and even Republicans aren’t overwhelmingly in favor, according to the poll. Only about 2 in 10 US adults “somewhat” or “strongly” in favor of withdrawing from the Paris agreement, while about one-quarter are neutral.

Much of the opposition comes from Democrats, but Republicans display some ambivalence as well. Slightly less than half of Republicans are in favor, while about 2 in 10 are opposed.

Republicans want federal workers back in the office

One of Trump’s first executive orders mandated that federal employees return to the office five days a week. Such a requirement is more popular than some of Trump’s other government efficiency proposals, such as like eliminating a large number of federal jobs or getting rid of entire agencies, the poll finds.

Republicans lawmakers have pushing for more in-office days for federal workers, and rank-and-file Republicans are also more likely than Americans overall to support a five-day week in the office. Adults over 45 are also more likely than younger adults to want a full return to office for federal employees.

Reversing an unpopular push for electric vehicles

Trump has promised to end Biden administration policies that encourage Americans to buy electric vehicles.

Those endeavors largely weren’t popular: About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in a Pew Research Center poll from last year opposed rules that would make EVs at least half of all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. by 2032. That opposition was especially high among Republicans; about 8 in 10 disliked the rule.

And EV purchases didn’t get much uptake. An AP-NORC/EPIC poll from last summer indicated that many Americans aren’t sold on going electric for their next car. High prices and a lack of easy-to-find charging stations were among the major sticking points.

Trump’s approach to energy production isn’t supported by most US adults

Trump is expected to sign orders designed to reduce regulatory requirements for oil and natural gas production. He has promised to establish American “energy dominance” in part by boosting oil and gas drilling, including on federal lands.

U.S. adults aren’t so sure about it. An AP-NORC poll found that about one-third of Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” favor increasing oil drilling on federal lands, while about 4 in 10 are opposed. Increasing oil drilling is broadly popular with Republicans but not with Democrats or independents.

According to AP VoteCast, only about 4 in 10 voters in the 2024 presidential election said U.S. energy policy should focus on expanding production of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas. Most — 55% — said it was better to focus on expanding use of alternative energy, such as solar and wind.

Subscribe to Fortune Gulf Brief. Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it. Sign up here.
About the Authors
By Amelia Thomson-Deveaux
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By Linley Sanders
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By The Associated Press
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Politics

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Politics

Europe is considering price caps to control inflation. CEOs are shaking their heads in despair
EconomyLetter from London
Europe is considering price caps to control inflation. CEOs are shaking their heads in despair
By Kamal AhmedMay 21, 2026
50 minutes ago
Vice President JD Vance rebuffs question about President Trump’s stock investments, says Trump is so wealthy he doesn’t trade stocks himself
PoliticsDonald Trump
Vice President JD Vance rebuffs question about President Trump’s stock investments, says Trump is so wealthy he doesn’t trade stocks himself
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezMay 21, 2026
4 hours ago
frank
PoliticsObituary
Barney Frank, legendary liberal who ripped into left-wing dysfunction on his death bed, dies at 86
By Steven Sloan and The Associated PressMay 20, 2026
15 hours ago
bezos
Personal FinanceNew York City
Jeff Bezos on Zohran Mamdani’s big mistake: ‘When you don’t know how to solve a problem, create a villain, blame them’
By Nick LichtenbergMay 20, 2026
16 hours ago
electrical transmission lines hang over a housing development on March 24, 2026 in Sylmar, California.
EnergyElectricity
2025 was a turning point for your electricity bill and it’s just getting more expensive from here. It’s not just data centers
By Tristan BoveMay 20, 2026
17 hours ago
cassidy
PoliticsElections
Anti-Trump Republicans are dead pols walking. Call them the ‘YOLO caucus’
By Steven Sloan, Joey Cappelletti and The Associated PressMay 20, 2026
18 hours ago

Most Popular

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
2 days ago
Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
Success
Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
By Preston ForeMay 20, 2026
19 hours ago
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
Future of Work
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
By Mike Householder and The Associated PressMay 17, 2026
4 days ago
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
Politics
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
By Jake AngeloMay 12, 2026
9 days ago
Dr. Bernice King on why companies that walked back DEI were never truly committed: 'If you retreat that quick…that reveals who you really are'
Workplace Culture
Dr. Bernice King on why companies that walked back DEI were never truly committed: 'If you retreat that quick…that reveals who you really are'
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of oil as of May 20, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of May 20, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 20, 2026
21 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.