Local News
Respondents were also asked about their feelings on several of Trump’s executive orders.
Massachusetts residents want Governor Maura Healey, senators, House representatives, and the state legislature to push back on the Trump administration’s actions.
The finding comes from a poll conducted by UMass Amherst in conjunction with WCVB. It surveyed 700 people, whose demographics are based on a “politically representative ‘modeled frame’ of MA adults.”
A majority of respondents said Healey and the state legislature should challenge the Trump administration “a lot” if its actions are “in conflict with state law or the U.S. Constitution.” Likewise, a majority said the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, which includes Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Seth Moulton, and more, should do the same.
Twenty percent or less said they shouldn’t push back at all.
Should these officials push back on Trump?
And if so, how much?
| A Lot | Some | Not Much | Not at All | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gov. Maura Healey | 54% | 18% | 10% | 19% |
| The Massachusetts Legislature | 53% | 20% | 12% | 16% |
| The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation | 56% | 18% | 7% | 20% |
The group surveyed, which was 75% white and 25% people of color, included men and women between 18 and over 55 with varying levels of education.
Two thirds of them voted for Kamala Harris and one third voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Thirty-eight percent identified themselves as liberal, 39% as moderate, and 22% as conservative.
Just over two thirds of them reported that they disapprove of the way Trump is doing his job, with about a third approving and 4% not sure. Nearly half said they supported Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s efforts to sue the Trump administration “in general.” Campbell joined attorneys general from 13 other states earlier this month in suing Trump and Elon Musk over their Department of Government Efficiency.
Support of AG Andrea Campbell’s efforts to sue the Trump administration:
| Strongly Support | 48% |
| Somewhat Support | 12% |
| Neither Support nor Oppose | 13% |
| Somewhat Oppose | 5% |
| Strongly Oppose | 22% |
Unsurprisingly, 90% of respondents who identified themselves as liberal either strongly or somewhat supported the lawsuits, and 85% of conservative respondents opposed them.
Words used to describe Trump included “good,” “leader,” “great,” “awesome,” “strong,” and “patriot” as well as “felon,” “incompetent,” “fascist,” “dangerous,” “liar,” and “corrupt.”
UMass Amherst and WCVB also polled respondents on some of Trump’s recent executive orders, including only recognizing two sexes, ending DEI initiatives in the federal government, releasing records to do with the assassinations of historical figures, banning federally funded gender-affirming care for minors, and banning transgender women and girls from participating in sporting events for women or girls.
These orders received mixed responses, with the release of records to do with the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. receiving the most support and the ending of all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, policies, and mandates in the federal government receiving the least support.
Support of Trump’s executive orders:
| Strongly or somewhat Support | Neither Support Nor Oppose | Somewhat Oppose or Strongly Oppose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Officially recognizes only two sexes, male and female? | 43% | 14% | 43% |
| Ends all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, policies, and mandates across the federal government? | 35% | 13% | 52% |
| Releases “all records” relating to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.? | 56% | 29% | 15% |
| Bans the use of federal funds for gender-affirming medical care for minors? | 42% | 14% | 43% |
| Bans federal funds from educational programs that allow transgender women and girls to participate in female sports? | 44% | 14% | 42% |
Should Massachusetts push back against Trump?
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
