Americans Divided on Trump’s Major Budget Bill, Poll Shows

As Senate Republicans work to advance President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll shows that Americans remain deeply divided over the wide-ranging tax and spending changes it proposes.

Overall, 42% of Americans oppose the legislation, while 23% support it and 34% have no opinion. Support is stronger among Republicans, with about half backing the bill. Among Democrats, roughly three-quarters are against it, and many independents also lean negative.

Despite Republican leaders’ push to highlight potential economic benefits, awareness of the bill remains low. Two-thirds of Americans say they have heard little or nothing about it, and among those familiar with its details, opposition runs about two to one.

Opinions vary widely on individual provisions. Measures like raising the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,500 are popular, with 72% in favor. Eliminating taxes on tips also has broad support at 65%.

However, other parts of the package face clear resistance. About 66% oppose cutting federal food assistance for low-income households, and 61% reject spending $45 billion on migrant detention centers. More than half are against ending tax breaks for renewable energy production and finishing the U.S.-Mexico border wall at a cost of around $50 billion.

Proposals to cut Medicaid and other safety net programs are especially contentious, with some Republican senators expressing concerns about the impact on rural healthcare. A slim majority supports new work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, but many object to the idea of millions losing coverage under tighter eligibility rules.

Support for extending tax cuts is high for those earning under $100,000 but drops significantly for wealthier individuals and corporations. At the same time, most Americans, including a significant share of Republicans, find an expected $3 trillion increase to the national debt over the next decade unacceptable.

Having narrowly cleared the House, the bill now faces a challenging path in the Senate. President Trump and party leaders continue to push for its passage, insisting it is crucial, yet public unease about its costs and cuts remains a major hurdle.