New poll shocker: Majority of Americans now view Donald Trump as a dangerous dictator amid mounting public concern
Donald Trump as a 'Dangerous Dictator,' New Poll Finds-
A new nationwide poll has revealed a sharp shift in public opinion—a majority of Americans now describe Donald Trump as a "dangerous dictator" rather than a strong leader. The survey, conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), shows growing concern over Trump's second term in office, his sweeping use of executive powers, and his impact on democratic institutions.
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The poll, conducted between February 28 and March 20, included 5,025 adults and carries a margin of error of ±1.6 percentage points. The results come at a time when Trump's approval ratings have been dropping sharply, especially around issues like the economy, civil service firings, and new tariffs.
Is Trump Losing Support Even Among His Own Base?
According to the PRRI poll, 52% of Americans now believe Trump fits the label of a 'dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy.' Meanwhile, 44% still view him as a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore America's greatness.
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These numbers break down along clear political lines:
87% of Democrats say Trump is a threat to democracy.
81% of Republicans see him as a strong leader.
Among Independents, 56% describe him as dangerous, while 42% view him as strong.
What's more striking is the shift among former supporters:
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55% of voters who once backed Trump but now regret it say he's a dangerous dictator.
68% of nonvoters who regret not voting say the same.
Even among all nonvoters, 54% now consider him a threat to democracy.
These figures suggest that Trump's traditional base is showing signs of internal cracks, with regret and concern rising over his governing style.
How Are Religion and Race Shaping Views on Trump?
Religious identity continues to be a major dividing line in how people see Trump's leadership.
He retains strong support among white Christian groups:
73% of white evangelical Protestants
66% of Latter-day Saints
Majorities of white Catholics and white mainline Protestants say Trump should be empowered as a strong leader.
But in contrast, communities of color and non-Christian groups are far more critical:
71% of Black Protestants
69% of Hispanic Catholics
65% of religiously unaffiliated Americans believe Trump is a dangerous authoritarian.
Racial and educational divides also paint a similar picture:
67% of Black Americans, 63% of Hispanic Americans, 58% of Asian American/Pacific Islanders, and 56% of multiracial Americans say Trump is a threat.
Among white Americans, opinion is more divided: 51% support him, while 45% say he's dangerous.
Among whites without a college degree, 57% support him, but among college-educated whites, 56% call him a dangerous dictator.
Age matters too. Except for the Silent Generation, at least half of every age group—including Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—believe Trump is a threat to democracy.
What Role Do Trump's Policies Play in His Falling Approval Ratings?
Trump's approval rating is now the lowest of any modern president at this point in their second term, according to a CNN poll from April 17 to April 24. That includes Trump's own numbers during the same period in 2017.
One of the key issues hurting Trump is the economy. On April 2, he launched sweeping 'Liberation Day tariffs' using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—a 1977 law intended for national emergencies. The decision led to a temporary stock market crash, and although the markets partially recovered, public opinion hasn't.
According to PRRI:
65% of Americans oppose the new tariffs, fearing higher consumer prices.
That includes 93% of Democrats and even 34% of Republicans.
Only 31% support the tariffs, despite arguments that they might protect U.S. jobs.
Legal experts and lawmakers have argued that Trump misused the IEEPA, and now 12 states are suing his administration, saying only Congress has the power to impose tariffs.
In another controversial move, Trump reinstated 'Schedule F,' an executive order he first signed in 2020. The order strips job protections from federal workers and has led to mass layoffs across federal agencies since his return to office.
While President Joe Biden had rescinded Schedule F in 2021, Trump brought it back on Day One of his second term. Critics say this effort bypasses Congress's authority, violating the constitutional separation of powers.
The PRRI poll found:
55% of Americans think Trump overstepped his authority with the firings.
That includes 85% of Democrats and even 27% of Republicans.
What Does This Mean for Trump Moving Forward?
As Trump continues his second term, this poll signals a deepening divide across the country—not only between political parties, but across age groups, religions, races, and education levels. While he still commands loyalty from large parts of the Republican base, there's growing discomfort—even among some past supporters—about how much power he's wielding.
With legal challenges piling up, economic discontent rising, and more Americans labeling him a 'dangerous dictator,' Trump may be facing one of the most difficult political moments of his presidency.
FAQs:
Is Donald Trump seen as a dangerous dictator by most Americans?
52% of Americans now view Donald Trump as a dangerous dictator, according to a PRRI poll.
What actions by Donald Trump raised concerns about democracy?
His mass federal worker firings and tariff orders have sparked legal and public backlash over abuse of power.
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