AP Poll: Most Americans Disapprove Trump’s Colleges Approach/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new AP-NORC poll reveals that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of colleges and universities. His push to cut funding for institutions like Harvard has sparked national debate. The public sees colleges as vital for research, despite concerns about cost and campus bias.
Trump, Higher Education, and Public Sentiment Quick Looks
- 56% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s college-related policies.
- Trump targets elite schools like Harvard over free speech and DEI issues.
- Federal grants frozen and tax-exempt status threatened for non-compliance.
- Republicans more supportive, with 8 in 10 backing Trump’s education stance.
- Half of Republicans favor withholding college funds; others oppose or are neutral.
- Public sees colleges as positive forces in science and research.
- Majority support federal funding for scientific research at universities.
- Cost of tuition remains top concern across party lines.
- College-educated Americans more opposed to funding cuts than non-degree holders.
- Free speech concerns persist, especially among conservative voters.
AP Poll: Most Americans Disapprove Trump’s Colleges Approach
Deep Look
Poll: Most Americans Disapprove of Trump’s University Policies as Funding Threats Escalate
WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach toward colleges and universities, according to a new national poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The findings reflect growing unease with the administration’s threats to cut federal funding to elite institutions that resist his political agenda.
More than half of Americans—56%—disapprove of Trump’s handling of higher education, compared to roughly 40% who approve. The numbers mirror his broader job approval and highlight a sharp divide in how Americans view the role of government in higher education.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has made headlines by targeting prestigious universities like Harvard, freezing more than $2.2 billion in grants and threatening the school’s tax-exempt status. His administration demands that schools reform campus policies surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), antisemitism, and student activism—issues he claims reflect a growing liberal bias and hostility to conservative views.
Trump has extended funding freezes to other Ivy League and top-tier schools, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University, often citing protests, handling of transgender athletes, or failure to crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Harvard’s administration responded by framing the White House’s demands as an unprecedented attack on academic independence.
Public attitudes, however, tell a different story. A strong majority of U.S. adults—around 60%—believe colleges and universities contribute positively to medical and scientific research. Many support continued federal investment in these institutions, despite political tensions.
“Harvard’s been doing work that benefits the world,” said Freddy Ortega, 66, a retired military veteran from Georgia. “One man shouldn’t have the power to disrupt that. That’s Congress’ job.” Ortega, who is Hispanic, also voiced concern over Trump’s attempts to dismantle DEI programs. “Those programs change lives. I’ve seen it firsthand.”
Among Republicans, Trump’s message resonates more clearly. Roughly 8 in 10 GOP voters approve of his approach to higher education, a stronger approval rate than even his handling of the economy. Many conservatives view college campuses as hostile to their views and favor efforts to curb perceived liberal dominance in academia.
But the Republican base is split on federal funding cuts. About half support withholding funds if schools don’t comply with the administration, while a quarter oppose the idea and another quarter are neutral.
“I worked hard. I didn’t get handouts,” said Hengameh Abraham, 38, a Republican in California. A mother of two and an immigrant from Iran, she supports Trump’s cuts and opposes race-based admissions and DEI initiatives. “College should be about merit, not identity,” she said.
Among Democrats and independents, Trump’s approach is widely seen as authoritarian and dangerous. Charles Jolivette, 43, a college counselor from New Orleans, called the funding threats a “blatant attack on speech and inclusion.”
“He’s bullying colleges into silence,” Jolivette said. “This isn’t how a democracy should function.”
The cost of college remains the top concern across political lines. Around 60% of Americans—Republicans and Democrats alike—said they were “extremely” or “very” concerned about tuition costs, far outpacing fears about liberal bias or antisemitism on campuses.
“College should be affordable,” said Eunice Cortez, a 68-year-old Republican in Texas. “I didn’t go, but my kids did. And now my grandkids are trying. Cutting funding will only make things harder.”
The survey also revealed a divide by education level. Among college graduates, 62% oppose withholding federal funds as a form of political leverage. Among those without a college degree, opinions were more mixed—about a third in favor, a third opposed, and the rest undecided.
Kara Hansen, 40, an independent from Oklahoma, is a few credits shy of a degree. She supports shaking up higher education but is wary of Trump’s style. “He makes people afraid to speak freely,” she said. “You shouldn’t feel muzzled on campus.”
Overall, only 30% of Americans believe students or professors can freely express their views “a lot” on campus. Around 40% think they can do so “somewhat.” Among Republicans, about 80% say liberals can speak freely, but fewer than half believe conservatives enjoy the same freedom.
Trump’s campaign has leaned into these sentiments, portraying universities as elitist institutions that silence conservative voices while misusing taxpayer money. His administration’s pressure campaign against elite universities has become a key part of his broader culture war strategy heading into the 2026 midterms.
While the long-term impact of these policies remains uncertain, the poll reflects a clear reality: most Americans see colleges as essential institutions, not political enemies. They want affordability, open dialogue, and continued federal support for innovation—not partisan warfare.
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