The BGSU Poll asked a sampling of registered voters about their views on the president, tariffs, immigration, and the state of democracy in the country.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — The Department of Political Science at Bowling Green State University has long conducted statewide polls in Ohio to better understand citizens’ views on a variety of issues.
This week, the department’s Democracy and Public Policy Network released the results of its first national web-based poll.
The BGSU Poll partners with polling firm YouGov to conduct the polls.
On President Trump and Congress
According to polling results, President Donald Trump approval is deeply underwater with a job approval rating of -19 with 57% of those polled disapproving while 38% approve.
Among people who voted in 2024, about 13% of Trump voters say they regret their vote to some degree.
The poll also showed Democrats having an edge over Republicans in the midterms.
In a generic congressional ballot Democrats led Republicans 49% to 41% and also held an 18 point lead in enthusiasm.
On issues
As far as issues go, the economy (42%) led the list of issues responders found most important. That was followed by threats to democracy (32%), healthcare (31%), immigration (31%), and inflation (29%).
The poll was taken before the Supreme Court struck down tariffs that Trump has instituted in the last year. 58% of respondents opposed the tariff policies with most (72%) believing the tariffs will benefit the wealthy and large corporations. Most respondents believed (69%) tariffs will not personally benefit them.
On the issue of Trump’s immigration policies, about 6 in 10 people oppose the wearing of masks by ICE agents, driving in unmarked cars, or the raids themselves.
“That 1 in 5 Americans personally know someone who has protested ICE is somewhat surprising, and we find large majorities that are concerned with ICE tactics and government overreach,” said Robert Alexander, BGSU professor of political science.
Most respondents also expressed concern about civil liberties in the country. Almost 60% of respondents say freedom from unreasonable search and seizure is under threat, 57% believe freedom of speech is under threat, 55% believe freedom of press is under threat, and 51% believe freedom of assembly is under threat.
1,334 U.S. registered voters were interviewed for the BGSU Poll between February 13-18.
The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.
Click here for more information about the BGSU Poll and to download complete results.