Polling News

Americans' 2018 Policy Priorities

February 01, 2018

President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union speech on Tuesday, calling for unity and raising issues like infrastructure.  What other issues are priorities for Americans for the coming year?

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 73% of Americans say terrorism is a “top priority for Trump and Congress.”  Education is close behind, with 72% of Americans saying it is a top priority.  The economy rounds out the top three issues, with 71% of Americans saying it is a top priority.  Health care costs (68%), Social Security (67%), Medicare (66%), the environment (62%), and jobs (62%) are the next tranche of Americans’ priorities.  Issues that have made headlines as of late rank towards the bottom.  Only 47% of Americans say immigration is a top priority and just 38% of Americans want to prioritize global trade.

Of the top three issues (terrorism, education, economy), Republicans have done well to prioritize handling terrorism and the economy over the past year.  That said, they can be in a position to lead on education – especially Republicans running for state-level offices.  By doing so they will not only satisfy reliable Republicans, but attract swing voters like Independents, women, and those living in suburban areas as well.

Related PollingNews

Placeholder polling news
June 19, 2025 |
Polling News
As the debate over final passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” continues in Congress, a recent Pew Research Center poll found that almost half of Americans view the bill unfavorably.  ...
Placeholder polling news
June 12, 2025 |
Polling News
There has been nonstop, wall-to-wall coverage of the recent Los Angeles protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  ...
Placeholder polling news
June 05, 2025 |
Polling News
The June CNN poll had mixed findings for both parties. While there are major doubts on each party’s effectiveness, more Americans view the Republican Party as the party of change and the party with strong leaders. ...
Placeholder polling news
May 29, 2025 |
Polling News
The Cook Political Report reviewed The Catalist “What Happened” report and found Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss was largely a result of new and infrequent voters falling below 50% support for a Democrat presidential candidate for the first time in Cat...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance