Shawn Griffiths
More In Common, a nonprofit dedicated to finding ways to bridge political divisions in the US, released a new report that spotlights key areas of agreement across the political spectrum in the early days of the Trump administration.
The report, released last week, reveals a shared consensus on wildfire relief, respect for our allies, a commitment to the constitution, and a desire for unity even though each side is skeptical of the other.
How President Trump and US lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle govern will highlight which voters they are listening to -- if they are listening at all.
US Voters Want Leaders That Follow the Constitution
For example, 74% of Americans, including 73% of Republicans and 71% of independents, believe President Trump should always follow the US Constitution, even if it means he can't get some things done.
One respondent that identified as a Trump voter in 2024 said “He should follow the Constitution and not break laws to do what he wants."
An interesting data point, however, is that Gen Z men stood apart from other survey groups. Forty-two percent (42%) said there are some instances in which Trump would be justified in ignoring the Constitution.
There are also more younger voters in Gen Y and Gen Z who at least somewhat prefer a political leader who is willing to bend the rules, though not a majority (36% of Millennials and 35% of Gen Zers).
Most Americans Want to See Federal Aid for California Wildfire Relief
When it comes to federal aid for natural disasters, whether it is a tornado or hurricane or wildfire, Americans have historically come together in favor of helping victims and people in need.
The California wildfires are no different -- though partisan politics has become a variable (including how people expect others to respond).
More In Common found 78% of Americans at least somewhat support the US government providing assistance for relief efforts. This includes 90% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and 76% of independents.
Overall support among Republicans was higher than independents and Democrats expected, highlighting how the narratives over partisan divisions have caused people to see the worst in others.
For example, Republican support for relief was at 72%, but independents expected that support to be at 48% and Democrats expected it to be at 40%.
"Divided" Is the Most Common Description for America Today
Americans agree partisan divisions in the US are a problem. In fact, "divided" was the most common word used to describe the nation across the political spectrum in the survey, including 61% of independents.
The second most common description was "chaotic."
However, Americans were more likely to say the most desired quality for the US was "united" at nearly half of all respondents, followed by "honest" for independents and Democrats and "hard-working" for Republicans.
“My biggest hope is for our leaders to work together to build America back up; the land of the free for all and home of the brave," said one respondent who identified as a Harris voter in 2024.
Most Americans Want a Foreign Policy That Respects Allies and Defends Democracies
More In Common found that a majority of Americans want a foreign policy approach that respects America's allies, ensures the US is respected, stays out of foreign conflicts, but also protects democracies.
For example, 71% of survey respondents agreed the US should "honor our international alliances." Sixty-five percent (65%) said the US should "make sure the world respects America."
Sixty-three percent (63%) agreed that the US should "stay out of wars and conflicts around the world," but 60% also believe it is the US's responsibility to protect democracies from being invaded by powerful neighbors.
Elon Musk's Involvement in US Politics Gets Mixed Responses
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has not shied away from the political arena in the US and other countries around the world, most notably supporting Donald Trump's campaign for a second presidential term.
To say there have been moments of controversy is an understatement, and how voters view him and his involvement in the nation's politics tends to come down to their own political leanings.
For example, "smart" was the most common word used to describe Musk for Americans at-large, but especially among moderates (34%), traditional conservatives (45%), and devoted conservatives (57%).
The further right a voter falls, the more favorably they tend to view Musk. The further left a voter falls, the more likely they are to describe him as "dangerous."
However, regardless of how voters view him, Americans at-large are critical of his involvement in American politics. The data found that 28% of total survey respondents thought Musk's role was at least somewhat good.
Twenty-three percent (23%) said there was an equal mix of good and bad, while 37% said somewhat or very bad.
“Elon Musk's track record in revolutionizing industries like electric vehicles and space exploration demonstrates his ability to drive significant change," said one respondent who identified as a traditional conservative and Trump voter.
"However, his involvement in politics should be carefully monitored to ensure that his decisions align with the public interest and do not disproportionately benefit his own ventures.”
Check out more from More in Common's report here.