Poll finds waning checks and balances as Trump expands presidential power
TL;DR Summary
A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll taken Jan. 27–30, 2026 finds about two-thirds of Americans say the system of checks and balances isn’t working well, up sharply across parties as Trump expands executive power. Despite a Supreme Court ruling striking down his tariffs, most see Trump’s policies changing the country for the worse (55%). Analysts differ on whether this signals constitutional erosion or a return to pre-Watergate norms. The survey, which included 1,462 adults and 1,326 registered voters, notes Trump has signed 243 executive orders this term, and it comes ahead of his State of the Union and the midterms.
- Checks and balances aren't working under Trump, growing majority says PBS
- Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off NPR
- The State of the Union, February 2026 Marist Poll
- Trump to raise global tariffs. And, most say the state of the union is weak, poll says NPR
- 2/23 Playbook: Poll: State of Union ‘Not Strong’ PoliticsPA
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