Expectations
Donald Trump takes the oath of office as president for the second time in just 11 days. Supporters have high hopes for what a second Trump term means for the country, in particular with regard to controlling the size and cost of government.
In fact, a new national telephone survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports shows that 61 percent of likely U.S. voters approve of cutting back the size of the federal government, including 37 percent who strongly approve. Only 10 percent are not sure, with the remaining less-than-one-third of likely voters surveyed saying they disapprove of cutting the size of the federal government. In fact, the question was asked of nearly 1,300 people, and used Speaker Mike Johnson’s phrases, “drastically cut back the size and scope of government” and “create a leaner, faster and more vigorous federal workforce”—and still, the number of those agreeing with “drastic” cuts was double the amount who disagreed
Alright, everyone is on board…but there is a catch.
We’ve been burned so many times by politicians and broken promises, that we’ll believe it when we see it. That same survey shows that 49 percent of those surveyed said Congress won’t actually approve of such cuts, while 44 percent say this time will be different (both in terms of politicians keeping promises, and government being cut).
All that is why, to me, getting off to a fast start with this new Republican majority in Congress, plus the return of a president from their party, is so important. Early victories that would give voters a sense that things are getting done could lead to a snowball effect and real, meaningful change. Internal squabbles, swamp politics, and a uniparty mindset, however, will put this speeding car into the ditch before they’ve run any gas out of the tank.
Isn’t it time Washington delivered a pleasant surprise to voters…like keeping promises for real change?
