A group of Arizona swing voters who backed Donald Trump last year after voting for Joe Biden in 2020 like what they're seeing so far from the president and Elon Musk. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Every Arizona swing voter in our latest Engagious/Sago focus groups said they approve of President Trump's actions since taking office Jan. 20 — and most also support Elon Musk's efforts to slash government.
Why it matters: Public opinion can constrain presidents when Congress does not. But these 11 voters — all of whom backed Joe Biden in 2020 but switched last November — said they're good with Trump aggressively testing disruptive, expansionist expressions of presidential power that are piling up in court challenges.
What we're watching: Some would like to see him do more, sooner, to rein in consumer costs.
But several said they're OK with Trump's early actions skipping over inflation — even when that was their top issue during his campaign — adding they can be patient if prices don't come down for a while.
What they're saying: "I agree we need the Constitution and we need rules and procedures," said Courtney L., 34. "But at the same time, how are we going to make big changes? If someone like Trump [is] being unconventional, we need him to be doing these things, to be making these executive orders and making these big changes for big changes to happen."
"I like how he's cleaning house in the government," said Jonas G., 55.
Other respondents support Trump's executive orders on immigration and efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The Arizona swing voters rejected concerns Trump could subvert the judiciary.
"That wouldn't happen," said Jonas G., when asked about the hypothetical of Trump rejecting a Supreme Court decision.
The bottom line: "These swing voters are delighted by Musk's Trump-endorsed government housecleaning," said Rich Thau, president of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups.
Trump, Vice President Vance and Musk "should be ecstatic" about the swing voters' feedback.
