Recommendations of the Editorial team
While Donald Trump focuses on building a tough and dangerous prison for migrants, which he called “Alligator Alcatraz”, he loses an approval from the population when it comes to immigration. The majority of Americans see Trump’s claim that his government would only deport the “worst of the bad” criminals. And instead believes that he “too” concentrates on deportations. And that he deported more people than expected. This is shown by a new survey by CBS News. The survey also shows that the president also loses ground on other topics. For example in the Epstein case and when fixing on tariffs.
Public perception corresponds to reality
Within one month there was a shift of nine percent in the number of Americans who believe that the government is prioritized “dangerous criminals”. While 53 percent said in June that criminals were in the foreground, this value is now 44 percent. 56 percent of the Americans, on the other hand, believe that the government focuses on the deportation of “people who are not dangerous criminals”.
This public opinion seems to agree with reality. Last month, according to ICE data, almost 72 percent of the detainees had no criminal convictions. And as an analysis of the Miami Herald shows, most of the inmates of the so -called “Alligator Alcatraz” have no criminal convictions. Despite Trump’s promise to accommodate “some of the most malignant people in the planet”.
When asked whether the government was deporting more people than expected, 52 percent of those surveyed said that they were more than expected. An even larger majority – 58 percent – rejects the use of the adhesives by the government.
Trump’s base remains loyal
With Trump’s supporters in the Republican party, however, the support remains strong. 85 percent of Republicans support the use of adhesives by the government. And 91 percent support his deportation plans. However, the support for the deportation program has decreased among all Americans in recent months. From 59 percent in February to 54 percent in June. And now to 49 percent in July.
Many Americans also recognize grievances when it comes to racist tendencies in immigration policy. 64 percent say that Hispanic people are searched more often than others.
Economic frustration increases
The frustration of the population grows on economic issues such as increasing prices and inflation. 70 percent said Trump did not focus enough for falling prices, and 61 percent believe that he concentrates too much on tariffs. A similar number (60 percent) rejects new tariffs to imported goods. Only 36 percent of the respondents support Trump’s dealings with inflation – a decrease of 46 percent in March.
Majority calls for information in the Epstein case
Regarding the case around Jeffrey Epstein-the late billionaire, Trump friend, human dealer and sex offenders-89 percent demand that the Ministry of Justice open all information on the matter.
The Ministry of Justice has split the handling of the Epstein information and publicly caused some of Trump’s most radical supporters to question his motifs because it does not allow the files to be published. Meanwhile, Trump and his government are trying to blame the Democrats – you hardly believe.
But even in Trump’s otherwise faithful basis, this strategy does not seem to work. Only 50 percent of the Republican respondents stated that they were satisfied with the handling of the government in the Epstein affair, while 49 percent were dissatisfied.