PRRI Poll: Trump Seen as a ‘Dangerous Dictator’ by 52% of Americans
A majority of Americans now view Donald Trump as a serious threat to democracy, according to a new Axios article by Russell Contreras titled “Most Americans see Trump as ‘dangerous dictator,’ poll says,” published on April 29, 2025. The report cites a national poll conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), which surveyed 5,025 U.S. adults between February 28 and March 20, 2025.
According to the poll, 52% of respondents agree that Trump is a “dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy.” This stark assessment is echoed by 87% of Democrats, 56% of independents, and even 17% of Republicans—demonstrating bipartisan concern, particularly among centrist voters. The use of the term “dangerous dictator” was part of the actual poll question, not merely an editorial framing, giving added weight to the response.
The findings are part of PRRI’s broader “American Values Survey,” released to coincide with Trump’s first 100 days in office. While the former president retains strong support among Republican voters—83% expressing a favorable view—his standing is much weaker among independents (35%) and Democrats (8%). Only four in ten Americans overall view him favorably, signaling erosion in his cross-party appeal.
Racial and ethnic breakdowns further illuminate the divide: 67% of Black Americans, 63% of Latinos, and 58% of Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders agreed with the “dangerous dictator” description. By comparison, just 45% of white Americans did—highlighting the racially disparate impact of Trump’s actions and rhetoric during his renewed tenure in office.
The poll results underscore growing public alarm over a series of controversial Trump policies and executive actions since taking office. These include the mass firing of over 100,000 federal employees, elimination of diversity and equity programs, student visa cancellations, and the continued detention of a deported U.S. resident in El Salvador, despite a court order mandating his return. PRRI CEO Melissa Deckman commented that, “Most Americans view Trump in dictatorial terms, and I think most Americans are concerned that American democracy is on the line.”
One of the clearest warning signs for the administration lies in Trump’s support among independents, a key voting bloc that helped propel him back into office. More than half now see him as a threat to democratic norms. Further, 70% of Americans oppose the closing or dramatic shrinking of federal agencies, particularly those that ensure safe air travel, public health, and water quality. A strong majority (61%) also oppose the use of military-guarded internment camps for immigrants, an idea floated in right-wing policy circles.
Trump’s continued embrace of unilateral executive power has drawn condemnation from civil rights groups and constitutional scholars alike. Critics argue that efforts to impose sweeping tariffs, curb academic freedoms, and consolidate control over the civil service reflect a governing philosophy that is more autocratic than democratic.
Despite this backlash, the president maintains a loyal core. According to the survey, 81% of Republicans believe Trump is “a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore America’s greatness.” Additionally, 51% of white Americans surveyed support this empowerment narrative. This stark partisan divide illustrates two radically different visions for the country: one embracing constrained democracy and institutional checks, and the other prioritizing unfettered executive control in the name of national restoration.
Trump responded to the poll on Truth Social, calling it “fake” and demanding that media organizations behind such surveys be “investigated for election fraud.” His attacks on polling data and media legitimacy are emblematic of a broader strategy to discredit dissent and centralize authority.
Methodologically, the PRRI poll is robust: conducted online via Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel®, it is representative of U.S. adults across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with a margin of error of ±1.69% at the 95% confidence level. As such, the findings reflect a high-confidence snapshot of public opinion during the early months of Trump’s administration.
In summary, the PRRI poll released through Axios delivers a sobering verdict: a growing majority of Americans, across race and party lines, fear that Donald Trump is undermining the democratic foundations of the country. The alignment of these views with Trump’s early policy choices indicates that public perception is rooted not in rhetoric alone, but in actions seen as autocratic, exclusionary, and extreme.
