Podcast Summary: The Daily – "Americans to Trump: You’ve Gone Too Far"

Host: Michael Barbaro
Guest: Nate Cohn, New York Times Pollster
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Daily, host Michael Barbaro engages in a critical discussion with Nate Cohn, a renowned pollster from The New York Times. They explore the findings of a new nationwide poll assessing American sentiment towards President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. The conversation delves into various aspects of Trump's policies, public approval ratings, and the broader implications for American politics.

Overview of Poll Findings

Nate Cohn begins by presenting the overarching results of the poll, emphasizing a predominantly negative reception of Trump’s early presidency. “We found that the public has a lot of reservations about Donald Trump's first hundred days,” Cohn states ([02:57]). This sets the stage for a detailed exploration of specific policy areas and public opinions.

Approval Ratings

A significant highlight of the poll is Trump's approval rating. “42% of voters say they approve of Donald Trump's performance as president, compared to 54% who disapprove,” Cohn reveals ([03:24]). Barbaro notes the gravity of these numbers, explaining, “In political journalism, we call this being underwater,” pointing out that more Americans disapprove of Trump’s performance than approve, a stark contrast to his post-election support.

Immigration Policy

Immigration emerges as a critical area of discussion. Trump’s tough stance on immigration was a cornerstone of his campaign, aiming to appeal to voters desiring stronger border security. However, the poll indicates a significant backlash. “A majority of voters say he's going too far,” Cohn explains ([05:56]). The conversation references the high-profile deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, where only 32% approved of Trump’s handling ([06:07]). This case exemplifies the broader public disapproval of Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement, undermining what was initially a strong base of support.

Economic Policy

The economy, another pillar of Trump's agenda, also faces scrutiny. “Already, a majority of voters say the president's actions have made the economy worse,” Cohn reports ([08:15]). This perception contradicts Trump's promises to bolster economic prosperity, leading voters to believe his policies are detrimental both in the short and long term. The discussion highlights that Trump’s economic measures, including tariffs and government cuts, are largely viewed negatively, with voters feeling the pinch in their own finances.

Expansion of Executive Authority

Trump’s use of executive power is another focal point of the poll. “54% think that he's going beyond the powers that are available to him as president,” Cohn states ([09:07]). Additionally, “35% of people already, in less than 100 days, perceived the president as attempting to completely tear down the system,” indicating growing concern over Trump’s intentions to reshape the political and economic framework of the country ([09:56]). This reflects a broader unease about the concentration of power in the executive branch and potential threats to democratic norms.

Impact on Young Voters

A particularly striking finding is the substantial disapproval among young voters. “69% disapproved of the president's performance, compared to 26% who approved,” Cohn highlights ([11:24]). This marks a significant shift from previous polls, where young voters were more divided. The erosion of support among younger demographics suggests that Trump's policies and approach may be alienating a crucial segment of the electorate, potentially impacting future elections.

Political Consequences

The implications of these poll results extend beyond public opinion, affecting the political landscape. Cohn discusses how negative perceptions of Trump could influence congressional dynamics. “There are greater incentives for moderate Republicans from districts that voted for Kamala Harris or only narrowly voted for Donald Trump to defy the president in their pursuit of reelection,” he explains ([20:27]). This could lead to increased resistance within the Republican Party, making it difficult for Trump to push his agenda through a potentially fracturing caucus.

Comparison to Authoritarian Regimes

The conversation draws comparisons between Trump’s actions and those of authoritarian leaders globally. However, Cohn emphasizes that unlike leaders in countries like Hungary or Turkey, Trump faces significant public opposition in the United States. “The public's response is not conducive to [authoritarian] taking hold in a way that permanently affects the trajectory of the United States without a large backlash,” he asserts ([24:00]). This underscores the resilience of American democratic values and institutions in countering attempts to concentrate power.

Future Implications

Looking ahead, Cohn warns of the potential long-term consequences if Trump continues on his current path. “If he continues with this pattern of conduct, he risks additional damage over the remaining years of his term,” Cohn cautions ([25:52]). The poll indicates that without course correction, Trump's approval ratings could further decline, weakening his influence and effectiveness as president. Additionally, entrenched public opposition could lead to greater institutional resistance and challenges in sustaining his policy initiatives.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a sobering analysis of Trump’s first 100 days, highlighting significant public disapproval across key policy areas. While Trump maintains support within his core base, the broader electorate’s negative response raises concerns about his ability to govern effectively and maintain political cohesion within the Republican Party. The findings suggest that Trump’s aggressive policies and expansion of executive power may be more divisive than initially anticipated, potentially shaping the trajectory of his presidency and American politics in profound ways.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Nate Cohn ([02:57]): “We found that the public has a lot of reservations about Donald Trump’s first hundred days.”

• Nate Cohn ([03:24]): “42% of voters say they approve of Donald Trump’s performance as president, compared to 54% who disapprove.”

• Nate Cohn ([05:56]): “A majority of voters say he's going too far.”

• Nate Cohn ([06:07]): “Only 32% of voters approve of his handling of the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case.”

• Nate Cohn ([08:15]): “Already, a majority of voters say the president's actions have made the economy worse.”

• Nate Cohn ([09:07]): “54% think that he's going beyond the powers that are available to him as president.”

• Nate Cohn ([09:56]): “35% of people already perceive the president as attempting to completely tear down the system.”

• Nate Cohn ([11:24]): “69% disapproved [of Trump’s performance], compared to 26% who approved.”

• Nate Cohn ([20:27]): “There are greater incentives for moderate Republicans from districts that voted for Kamala Harris or only narrowly voted for Donald Trump to defy the president in their pursuit of reelection.”

• Nate Cohn ([24:00]): “The public's response is not conducive to [authoritarian] taking hold in a way that permanently affects the trajectory of the United States without a large backlash.”

• Nate Cohn ([25:52]): “If he continues with this pattern of conduct, he risks additional damage over the remaining years of his term.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the critical insights from The Daily’s episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the public’s perception of Trump’s early presidency and the potential ramifications for the future of American politics.