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Large majorities of Biden supporters favor bigger and more activist government, reveals Pew study
In contrast, large majorities of Trump supporters want a smaller government providing fewer services.
File photos of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. / Reuters/Brendan McDermid and Elizabeth Frantz//File Photo
A significant majority of registered voters who support Joe Biden – approximately three-quarters or more – favor a larger, more activist government, as per a recent Pew Research Center study published on June.24.
The study titled, ‘Americans’ Views of Government’s Role: Persistent Divisions and Areas of Agreement’, indicated that 74 percent of respondents prefer a larger government providing more services. Additionally, 76 percent believe that the government should do more to solve problems, and 80 percent think that government aid to the poor "does more good than harm."
Trump supporters, by similar margins, hold contrasting views on all three questions, according to the same study.
Democratic support for a larger government has remained relatively stable over the past five years, though it remains higher than it was a decade ago. Conversely, Republicans' attitudes have shown less change over the last decade, the study said.
Among all adults, approximately three-quarters of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents now support a larger government, up from about six-in-ten in 2014 and 2015. In contrast, the share of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who prefer a bigger government has seen only a modest increase over the same period.
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Deep divides between Biden and Trump supporters on size, scope of government. / Pew Research CenterDiffering views on government’s role
A significant majority of voters, 80 percent in total, including 82 percent of Biden supporters and 78 percent of Trump supporters, agree that Social Security benefits should not be reduced in any manner when considering its long-term future.
However, Biden supporters express a greater inclination than Trump supporters towards expanding Social Security to cover more people and provide higher benefits. About 46 percent of Biden supporters are in favor of expanding Social Security coverage and benefits, whereas only 28 percent of Trump supporters share this same view.
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Biden and Trump supporters oppose reducing Social Security benefits. / Pew Research Center
The majority of Americans (65 percent) believe that the federal government has a responsibility to ensure all Americans have health care coverage. Democrats overwhelmingly support this view, with 88 percent stating that the federal government has this responsibility. In contrast, 40 percent of Republicans share the same belief.
When questioned about how health coverage should be provided, 36 percent of Americans advocate for a single national program, while 28 percent prefer a mix of government and private programs.
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Two-thirds Americans say the govt has to ensure health care coverage for all. / Pew Research CenterOther key findings
The survey also revealed that Americans’ trust in the federal government remains low but has shown a modest increase since last year. Currently, 22 percent of American adults express trust in the government to do what is right always or most of the time, up from 16 percent in June 2023.
Additionally, while the public overall is divided over the nation’s ability to solve important problems, young adults are notably pessimistic about the country’s ability to solve problems. Roughly half of Americans (52 percent) believe the US can’t solve many of its important problems, while 47 percent express confidence that the country can find a way to solve problems and achieve its goals.
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