A recent survey has unveiled a significant trend among federal employees who previously cast their votes for the Democratic ticket, indicating a readiness to oppose President Donald Trump's directives.
This revelation underscores a potential challenge for the administration as it seeks to align the federal bureaucracy with its policy objectives.
According to the Daily Caller, the Napolitan Institute released data revealing that 76% of federal employees who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris are inclined to "resist" President Trump's initiatives. Furthermore, 75% of these individuals expressed a willingness to disregard legal orders they perceive as misguided, opting instead to "do what [they] thought was best." The institute's findings highlight a "deep partisan divide in the Administrative State," a concern as President Trump endeavors to synchronize government operations with his agenda.
Scott Rasmussen, founder of the Napolitan Institute, emphasized the implications of these findings in a press release, stating, "Our research confirms that the Administrative State is not composed of thoughtful, nonpartisan experts who are making neutral decisions for voters." He further noted that the pronounced partisan divide within the federal bureaucracy, coupled with evolving public sentiment, poses significant hurdles for the current administration.
The survey posed a hypothetical scenario to respondents, asking them to envision themselves as the head of a federal agency receiving a legal but potentially flawed policy directive from President Trump. The results revealed that 75% of Harris voters would prioritize their judgment over the president's orders, with only a minority expressing uncertainty or compliance. In contrast, 80% of Trump-supporting officials indicated they would adhere to the president's directives, despite personal disagreements.
Additionally, the survey found that Harris supporters within the government are actively engaging in "political efforts" to resist Trump's agenda, with 56% committed to "strongly resist" and 16% opting to "somewhat resist." A smaller segment, 16%, chose a neutral stance, neither supporting nor opposing the administration's policies.
The Napolitan Institute conducted this survey among 500 officials residing in the National Capitol Region, each earning a minimum of $75,000 annually. The study reported a margin of error of 4 percent.
In response to these challenges, President Trump has implemented measures to streamline the federal bureaucracy. These efforts include a hiring freeze across the executive branch, financial incentives for federal workers, and budget cuts targeting left-wing priorities such as transgender ideology. Additionally, the administration established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has initiated reforms within several agencies.
Rasmussen offered a perspective on the situation, suggesting that the current bureaucratic turmoil might present an opportunity for the "common sense voice of the American people" to emerge as a decisive influence in shaping national discourse. This sentiment reflects a broader conservative belief in the potential for grassroots movements to counterbalance entrenched bureaucratic resistance.
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