Independent voters want bipartisan solutions, but early executive orders signal a different approach
The Big Picture
In our latest round of polling, the Independent Center found that nearly 50% of Democrats and 60% of independents want Donald Trump to succeed. However, there’s an important caveat: they want him to work across the aisle to enact bipartisan policies, not push a purely MAGA-driven agenda.
This applies to Congress as well. While Democrats and independents are open to working with the new Republican-led Congress, they strongly oppose an aggressive, partisan-first approach. In fact, over 60% of Democrats want Trump and Congress to fail if they pursue a purely partisan agenda.
Despite this rare opening for bipartisanship, the early weeks of Trump’s second term suggest the administration is prioritizing its base rather than the majority of voters who favor cross-party cooperation.
Zooming In
An Opening for Bipartisanship—But Will It Be Used?
The early weeks of any administration set the tone for how it will govern. The challenge for Trump is that while his base expects aggressive policy moves, a significant share of the electorate—especially independents—want common ground and compromise.
However, his initial batch of executive orders suggests a focus on base politics rather than broader governance:
- Restricting transgender athletes in women’s sports.
- Restoring names of military bases honoring controversial historical figures.
- Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America."
- Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization.
- Ending birthright citizenship despite constitutional protections under the 14th Amendment.
These executive orders are red meat for his base, but they do not address the economic and affordability concerns that propelled independent voters to support him in the first place.
A Broader Coalition Is Within Reach—If Republicans Take It
The Trump administration has a choice: double down on partisanship or seize the opening for bipartisan governance.
- Republicans can appeal beyond their base by pursuing practical, problem-solving policies that address real voter concerns.
- Independent voters and Democrats want results, not just slogans.
- Economic issues—like inflation, wages, and affordability—matter more to independents than culture wars.
Encouragingly, over 80% of Democrats and 90% of independents are optimistic that political division can be reduced over the next four years.
But early moves suggest that partisan battles—not bipartisan problem-solving—are the administration’s priority.
Independent Lens
Independent voters gave Trump a second term not to fight culture wars, but to fix affordability, the economy, and governance. However, his first weeks in office show a preference for partisan victories over bipartisan solutions.
The potential for common ground is real, but so far, the administration has not taken it. The test for Trump is whether he will pivot toward independent voters’ concerns or continue governing for his base alone.
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