Much more Americans support increased federal funding in major regions than those who prefer to cut funds. For a new investigationdespite the Trump administration calling for drastic cuts in government spending.
A YouGov survey conducted at the end of February asked respondents if they supported an increase or decrease in government spending in about 40 regions, and there was no category that the government wanted less spending.
The only category nearby is foreign aid. 49% of respondents support funding cuts, 20% support funding increase, 21% support funding at the same level, and 9% say they don't know.
However, in all other categories, the majority favors maintaining the same fund or increasing the same fund. Also, in 28 of the 40 categories, at least 50% of respondents said they wanted the federal government to increase funding.
At least 70% of respondents support increased federal funding in six categories. Care for the elderly is 76%. Veterans Services, 73%. Cybersecurity, 73%. Healthcare services, 72%. Disaster relief, 72%. Mental health services, 71%.
In each of these categories, up to 6% of respondents support funding cuts, while 15% to 19% support funding retention.
At least 60% of respondents support increased spending on homeless services. Food assistance, 63%. Infrastructure, 62%. Disability support, 62%. Border security, 60%. Early Childhood Education, 60%.
However, many respondents are critical of the way government spends their funds. 46% say the federal government is “very wasted” resources, 29% say it's “somewhat wasted”, 12% say it's “not too much waste”, and 4% say it's “not wasted at all.”
The study uncovers a popular phenomenon in Washington. There, lawmakers reflect member complaints about “vain” government spending, but struggle to find the largest area for reductions.
The investigation comes as the Trump administration has launched efforts to reduce the size of its federal workforce and drive federal waste and fraud. The strategy was divisive and has filed many lawsuits.
The survey included 2,259 adults and was conducted between February 24th and 27th. The margin for error is 2.7% points.
