A new YouGov/CBS News poll shows that a solid majority of Americans approve of President-elect Trump’s transition efforts. Respondents also viewed Trump’s cabinet nominees favorably, despite some being the targets of intense criticism from left-wing lawmakers and mainstream media outlets.
YouGov, generally regarded as a left-leaning pollster, reported that Trump’s preparations for his second term are seen as off to a “good start.” The poll found majority approval nationwide, with near-unanimous support among Republican voters. Overall, 59 percent of respondents expressed a positive opinion of Trump’s plans for his second administration, while 41 percent disapproved.
When asked about their overall feelings regarding Trump’s victory, 31 percent of respondents said they were “happy,” and 24 percent said they were “satisfied,” resulting in a net positive sentiment toward the president-elect. Meanwhile, 23 percent expressed dissatisfaction, and 21 percent said they were “angry.” Among Republican respondents, 54 percent described themselves as “excited” about Trump’s win, and another 41 percent said they felt “optimistic.” Only five percent of Republicans expressed a negative opinion. The poll also found that Trump’s re-election makes 10 percent of Democrat respondents “motivated” to support his second term.
Regarding Trump’s individual cabinet picks, the YouGov poll found majority support for every nominee surveyed, with the exception of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who has already withdrawn his name from consideration for attorney general. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) emerged as the most popular of Trump’s nominees, with 46 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat approving of his selection, while 30 percent expressed a negative opinion. Additionally, 23 percent said they lacked sufficient information to form an opinion, a trend observed across the five nominees included in the poll.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the most recognizable of Trump’s nominees, according to YouGov, with only 16 percent of respondents indicating they were “not sure” about him. Kennedy, who launched an independent presidential campaign before endorsing Trump this past summer, slightly trailed Sen. Marco Rubio in approval, holding a net positive rating of 12 percentage points. A total of 48 percent of respondents expressed a favorable opinion of Kennedy, the highest raw approval among the five nominees polled.
Regarding defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, 38 percent of respondents had a positive opinion, while 34 percent expressed a negative opinion. Similar to Gabbard, a significant portion of respondents, 28 percent, remain uncertain. The positive ratings for Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth come despite sustained, coordinated smear campaigns from left-wing lawmakers and pundits. These efforts include a baseless sexual assault allegation against Hegseth, which police investigated and dismissed as without merit almost immediately. Gabbard has also faced accusations, including being labeled a “Russian asset,” largely due to her outspoken opposition to endless wars.