Stagwell Inc. Unveils Key Findings from July Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll
1. Overview of Public Sentiment
On July 14, 2025, Stagwell Inc. (NASDAQ: STGW) released the latest results from the July Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll, highlighting a split in voter opinions regarding President Donald Trump's administration and its proposed legislative initiatives. The poll reflects critical insights into public sentiment on the economy, immigration, and the controversial "Big Beautiful Bill."
2. Trump’s Approval Rating and Voter Discontent
President Trump’s approval rating remains relatively stable at 47%, showing a slight increase of one percentage point since June 2025. This approval is notably higher among Republican, male, and rural voters, particularly those aged 35-44. However, public sentiment reflects significant discontent as 38% of voters express strong disapproval of Trump’s presidency, a marked increase of six points since February 2025.
Economic Concerns Dominate
Despite the stable approval rating, a substantial 56% of voters believe the economy is on the wrong track. Furthermore, 43% report that their personal financial situations are worsening, with Democrats, Independents, and women aged 55-64 being the most pessimistic. The poll indicates that inflation, immigration, the economy, and healthcare are top concerns among voters, with healthcare rising by 6% to be prioritized by 24% of respondents.
3. Split Opinions on the "Big Beautiful Bill"
The poll gauged opinions on Trump's ambitious legislative initiative, the "Big Beautiful Bill." While 44% of voters support the bill, an equal percentage oppose it. Among those familiar with the bill, support drops to 48%, particularly among Democrats, where 70% disapprove.
Popular Policies Within the Bill
Despite the mixed feelings about the bill overall, 17 out of 21 policy proposals within it enjoy majority support. Notable proposals include:
- Expanding Health Savings Accounts for Farmers: 76% support
- Reducing Federal Spending by $1.3 Trillion: 69%
- Increasing the Child Tax Credit: 67%
- Eliminating Taxes on Tips: 66%
- Boosting Military and Naval Spending: 66%
- Investing in Rural Broadband: 66%
Conversely, policies such as taxing remittances sent abroad (43% support) and removing taxes on firearm silencers (31% support) received the least backing.
4. Trump's Economic Management Under Scrutiny
The poll reveals that 62% of voters attribute the current state of the economy primarily to Trump, with a majority across political affiliations agreeing. However, 56% of respondents feel that Trump is losing the battle against inflation, and many view his tariffs as detrimental to economic health.
Immigration Policies Enjoy Strong Backing
Trump’s immigration policies appear to resonate with voters, as 60% support his administration's efforts to close the southern border. Additionally, a robust 75% back his initiative to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, showcasing bipartisan support on this issue.
5. Foreign Policy Perspectives
In international affairs, significant support exists for Trump’s military actions and stances. Approximately 78% of voters favor Israel over Iran in the ongoing conflict, and 58% support the recent U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear sites. A majority of voters (61%) also advocate for U.S. defense of Israel against Iranian retaliation.
Ukraine Conflict and Relations with Russia
Voter sentiment is mixed regarding Trump's approach toward Russia, with 60% believing he has not been tough enough on President Putin. However, 65% of respondents support continued U.S. military assistance to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
6. Conclusion
The July Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll, conducted between July 6-8, 2025, among 2,044 registered voters, underscores the divided nature of public opinion on key issues facing the Trump administration. While certain policies receive overwhelming support, broader approval remains elusive, particularly as economic concerns persist. Stagwell Inc.'s release of these findings marks an essential contribution to understanding the evolving political landscape ahead of the upcoming election cycle.