What Does Success Look Like for the Trump Administration?

The most recent survey from the Independent Center reveals expectations for bipartisan cooperation, economic success, and government reform

The big picture

The second part of our 2025 Online State of the Union poll reveals how independents and Republicans define success for the incoming Trump administration, showing both common ground and clear differences on bipartisanship, economic priorities, and government reform. While both groups support bipartisan cooperation, Republicans set higher thresholds for economic success, and traditional partisan divides remain on government spending.

This survey of 1,000 voters (500 independents, 500 Republicans) provides insights into what these key voting blocs expect from Trump’s second term.

Zooming in

Strong support for bipartisan cooperation

Both independents and Republicans want Trump and Congressional Republicans to prioritize bipartisanship.

• 83% of Republicans and 58% of independents want Trump to work across the aisle to enact bipartisan policies.
• 80% of Republicans and 59% of independents want Congressional Republicans to successfully pass bipartisan legislation.
• Only 4% of Republicans and 12% of independents actively oppose bipartisan efforts.

Despite political polarization, voters overwhelmingly want cooperation, sending a clear message to Washington.

Republicans demand bigger economic changes

While both groups prioritize economic success, Republicans expect more dramatic improvements than independents.

• On the national debt: 54% of Republicans say significant debt reduction is required for a successful year, compared to 42% of independents.
• On inflation: 66% of Republicans say success means significant price reductions, versus 55% of independents.

These higher expectations could pose a challenge for the Trump administration, which must balance policy results with voter demands.

Agreement on government reform

Independents and Republicans align on how government programs should be reformed:

• 33% of independents and 35% of Republicans favor “reforming government programs to offer more choice with competition from the private sector.”
• Only 22% of independents and 19% of Republicans support expanding government programs.
• A minority (19% of independents, 32% of Republicans) favor eliminating government programs entirely.

This shared preference for reform suggests an opportunity for bipartisan action on government efficiency.

Bipartisan interest in reducing division

A majority of both groups want efforts to reduce political polarization:

• 47% of independents and 50% of Republicans say “significantly reducing political divisions” is necessary for a successful term.
• 35% of independents and 38% of Republicans would accept modest reductions in division as a success.

This shared priority signals a desire for less polarization and more unity, even among traditionally opposing voter blocs.

Republicans push for deeper government spending cuts

Long-standing partisan differences emerge on government spending:

• 57% of Republicans say significant spending cuts are required for success, compared to 41% of independents.
• However, 39% of independents and 34% of Republicans say modest reductions would still count as success.

While both groups favor spending cuts, Republicans favor deeper reductions.

Data snapshot

• 83% of Republicans and 58% of independents support bipartisan cooperation in Trump’s second term.
• 54% of Republicans and 42% of independents say significant debt reduction is required for success.
• 66% of Republicans and 55% of independents say significant inflation relief is necessary.
• 47% of independents and 50% of Republicans prioritize reducing political division.
• Republicans favor deeper spending cuts than independents (57% vs. 41%).

Independent lens

Independents overwhelmingly want bipartisan cooperation, economic relief, and government reform—but without extreme policy shifts. While Republicans demand deeper economic changes, independents are more open to moderate progress.

As Trump’s second term begins, the challenge will be balancing these competing expectations. Can the administration focus on unity and pragmatism while still delivering policy victories? The desire for bipartisanship and government reform suggests a path forward for meaningful change.

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