Albany, NY – A new Siena College poll shows that a majority of voters in New York believe that the policies and initiatives championed by President Donald Trump, both domestically and internationally, will not make America great. The poll surveyed 800 voters in the state and revealed sharp divisions along political, racial, and geographic lines.
Key Findings of the Siena College Poll
The poll found that 54 percent of voters believe Trump’s policies are not moving the country in the right direction, while 33 percent disagreed, saying his policies are taking the country in the right direction. This sentiment reflects the state’s political landscape, where New York City is heavily Democratic and much of upstate New York remains Republican.
Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Faces Strong Opposition
The poll also revealed that New Yorkers are largely opposed to Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”, with 52 percent saying it would make life worse for most Americans, while only 28 percent believe it will improve their lives. The bill, which is a key part of Trump’s domestic agenda, has been a flashpoint for political debates.
61 percent of New Yorkers supported removing income taxes on tips, with only 21 percent opposing the idea.
On Medicaid, 48 percent of voters favored requiring healthy adults to work in order to receive benefits, while 32 percent opposed the measure.
Voters strongly opposed cutting corporate taxes and reducing SNAP benefits for the poor.
Party Line Divisions
As expected, the polling data showed significant divides based on party affiliation:
Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove of Trump’s policies, with 69 percent saying the Big, Beautiful Bill will make life worse for Americans.
Independents are also largely against it, with 49 percent agreeing the bill will worsen life, while only 25 percent say it will improve it.
On the other hand, Republicans are more optimistic, with 55 percent believing the bill will help average Americans, while only 16 percent think it will make things worse.
Views on Immigration and International Affairs
The poll also examined voters’ opinions on immigration and Trump’s foreign policy:
43 percent of New Yorkers said the state should not support the federal government’s efforts to detain migrants living illegally in the state, while 41 percent supported such actions.
On the issue of the Israel-Iran conflict, 54 percent of voters disapproved of Trump’s efforts to address hostilities between Israel and Iran, and 46 percent opposed his decision to bomb Iran, compared to 38 percent who supported it.
Overall Sentiment: Wrong Track vs. Right Track
When asked about the country’s direction, 58 percent of voters said the U.S. is heading in the wrong direction, while 35 percent believed it is on the right track. This sentiment was highly partisan:
Over two-thirds of Democrats said the country is heading in the wrong direction.
More than two-thirds of Republicans believed the country is on the right track.
Independents also believed the country is moving in the wrong direction, by a margin of 62 to 29 percent.
A Divided State and Nation
The Siena College poll highlights the deep political divisions within New York State and across the nation. Trump’s policies continue to fuel debate, with Democrats and Independents largely opposing them, while Republicans remain steadfast in their support. As 2024 elections approach, these divisions could play a critical role in shaping the future of U.S. politics.