NEW YORK – Recent data from an AP-NORC poll indicates that a significant portion of the American populace believes former President Donald Trump is capitalizing on his presidency in ways that are either unethical or illegal. The poll reveals that around 60% of U.S. adults hold the view that Trump is profiting unlawfully or engaging in unethical conduct, while only about 20% assert he has done no wrong.
As Trump’s business ventures thrive, partly due to policies influenced by his presidency, the survey highlights a stark contrast between his financial interests and the welfare of ordinary citizens. Over half of Americans perceive that Trump has prioritized his financial gains significantly more than the needs of the country, with only a fraction believing he focuses on the interests of the average American.
“His wealth increases,” remarked Barbara Thaxton, an 87-year-old independent from Summerfield, Florida. “But the people in the country are just barely getting by.” This sentiment echoes throughout the findings of the poll, which emphasizes a growing concern among voters regarding the ethics of Trump’s financial dealings while in office.
In contrast to his first term, Trump has publicly dismissed concerns regarding conflicts of interest, stating to The New York Times, “I found out that nobody cared.” This dismissal aligns with his decision to lift restrictions on private-sector deals for his family and the initiation of several new cryptocurrency businesses—ventures that have reportedly generated over $1 billion in revenue.
The White House maintains that Trump is not profiting from his presidency, labeling accusations as unfounded. However, the financial disclosure report he filed in June reveals substantial earnings from new crypto ventures, including a notable $500 million investment from a UAE-based business linked to the royal family.
Despite differing political affiliations, the poll indicates that a considerable number of Americans—approximately 40%—believe Trump has engaged in illegal activities, with Democrats leading this sentiment. Meanwhile, many Republicans and independents are less certain of any wrongdoing, with only about 30% of independents and 10% of Republicans believing he has acted illegally.
Oscar Delgado, a 50-year-old Democrat from Michigan who previously voted for Trump, expressed his disillusionment, stating, “He’s not putting the country first. I wanted a change, but I didn’t expect this change.” This highlights a potential shift among some voters who initially supported Trump but are now questioning his priorities.
The poll further reveals a broader sentiment among Americans that Trump’s personal financial interests have taken precedence over the country’s welfare. Only about a quarter of respondents believe he has put significant emphasis on the nation as a whole, contrasting with over half who feel he has focused on his business interests.
The AP-NORC poll, conducted from September 24-28 with a sample of 2,140 adults, sheds light on these critical issues surrounding Trump’s presidency and business dealings. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these findings could significantly influence public opinion and voter behavior in the upcoming elections.
Ultimately, the perception that Trump is prioritizing personal gain over public service raises important questions about ethics in leadership and the accountability of elected officials. The ongoing discourse surrounding these issues will likely remain a focal point in American politics as citizens navigate the complexities of governance and integrity.
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Thomson-DeVeaux reported from Washington.
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The AP-NORC poll of 2,140 adults was conducted September 24-28 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
