A Gallup survey released Monday highlights contrasting reactions to President-elect Trump’s victory. Republicans expressed optimism and relief, while Democrats felt fear and anger in response to the outcome.
According to the survey, 86 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents indicated they were “optimistic” about Trump’s election, with majorities also reporting feelings of relief, excitement, and pride following the results.
Republicans celebrate Trump’s win with relief and pride, while Democrats react with anger and fear
However, 76 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents reported feeling “afraid” due to the election, with many also expressing anger and devastation. Trump’s victory also extended to the Republican Party in Congress. The GOP regained control of the Senate and retained the House majority, improving Trump’s prospects for advancing his legislative agenda.
The Gallup poll revealed that very few Democrats expressed positive emotions, while only a small number of Republicans voiced negative feelings. While Trump had also won the White House in 2016, Gallup noted that public reactions now differ from those eight years ago, based on its latest polling.
The most outstanding shift in sentiment, according to Gallup, is the decrease in surprise over Trump’s win. In 2016, 75 percent of adults were surprised by his victory, compared to just 41 percent this time around. The survey also showed a slight increase in the number of Americans feeling pride or excitement about Trump’s win compared to 2016.
Additional findings revealed that Vice President Harris, who will be Trump’s opponent in the 2024 election, has a less favorable image than Trump. Forty-eight percent of respondents viewed Trump favorably, while 42 percent had a favorable view of Harris. The survey, conducted between November 6-20, included 1,001 participants with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
