Over the New Year, unsettling headlines about terrorism attacks like a New Orleans truck attack and a Las Vegas explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck are causing public anxiety. These incidents cause Americans to discuss questions of national security, government accountability, and voice frustration with leadership.

Voter Sentiment

MIG Reports data from recent online discussions reveals:

• 45% of discussions blame government failures in border security and immigration policies for allowing terrorists into the country.
• 30% express skepticism about how incidents are categorized, criticizing the FBI and media for lack of transparency.
• 25% connect "woke" ideologies and censorship to broader societal unrest.
• 20% focus specifically on the threat of Islamic extremism.

Casting Partisan Blame

Republicans

Conservatives overwhelmingly blame the Biden administration’s policies for creating vulnerabilities in national security. They often mention:

• Immigration Failures: A strong belief that "open borders" have allowed terrorists to infiltrate the country.
• Islamic Extremism: Calls for a more aggressive stance against Islamist threats, including reevaluating refugee and visa programs.
• Government Incompetence or Complicity: Perceptions of negligence or deliberate inaction in addressing security concerns.

Democrats

Liberals direct focus away from terrorism to broader systemic problems like:

• Domestic Extremism: A focus on white nationalist groups and other domestic actors as the primary threats.
• Racial and Cultural Framing: Concern about racial profiling and the misuse of "terrorism" language against marginalized groups.
• Deflection from Terrorism Language: Skepticism toward labeling incidents as terrorism, particularly when motives are unclear or politically charged.

Republicans blame foreign influences, including Islamist ideologies and anti-American sentiments. They see government agencies and the media as complicit in downplaying or mischaracterizing acts of terror.

Democrats emphasize domestic extremist groups as the central threat. They advocate for caution in assigning the terrorism label to avoid political weaponization. This partisan division complicates the national conversation, as each side accuses the other of ignoring critical threats.

The Implications of Trump’s Return

Donald Trump’s imminent return to the presidency looms large in public discourse.

Optimism

Many view Trump’s "America First" policies as a solution to border and security failures.

His strong stance on immigration and terrorism gives many on the right hope for decisive action against future threats.

Apprehension

Critics often voice concern that Trump’s rhetoric and policies will further polarize the nation. They fear his return may embolden extremist groups already disillusioned with the political system.

Institutional Distrust

Americans on both sides of the aisle express distrust toward government agencies and institutions. Many feel it’s difficult to find the truth amid a confusion of opposing narratives and deceptive framing.

Government Agencies

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security face criticism for perceived failures to address threats proactively. Allegations of bias in categorizing acts of terrorism deepens public skepticism.

Leadership

Frustration with the Biden administration’s handling of border security and national safety is widespread. Calls for accountability echo across partisan lines, though interpretations of failures vary.

Media

Many accuse media outlets of bias and selective reporting, fueling distrust in news reports and facts about terror attacks. On both sides, people believe the media prioritizes narratives aligned with political elites over factual reporting.

Implications for 2025

Public sentiment entering 2025 shows clear expectations for the new administration in order to restore public trust in a divisive environment.

Restoring Trust

The Trump 2.0 administration must prioritize transparency, particularly in labeling and addressing terrorism. Clear communication about threats, motives, and actions taken can rebuild public confidence.

Policy Reform

Strengthening border security and immigration controls will address concerns from 45% of the electorate who link terrorism to perceived government failures. Balancing aggressive counterterrorism policies with civil liberties will be key to satisfying a divided electorate.

Unified Messaging

Fractured narratives on what constitutes terrorism and who is responsible can be mitigated by promoting bipartisan cooperation on national security measures. Transparent communication clarifying complex issues like domestic extremism and foreign threats can help reduce fears.

Revisiting January 6

Many also discuss January 6 in relation to terrorism threats. Conservatives argue the hyper-focus by media and government agencies on J6 defendants is contributing to the erosion of trust and perceptions of a weaponized justice system.

There are accusations of a double standard in the criminal justice system, particularly concerning politically motivated violence. Many say Washington, DC District Attorney Matthew Graves is prioritizing prosecuting January 6th participants while neglecting other, more dangerous threats.

Conservatives argue that Democrats politicize terrorism accusations by vilifying white men and American First proponents while protecting groups and ideologies with clear anti-American animus. Those on the left accuse Republicans and MAGA voters of racism and xenophobia, objecting to the use of “terrorism” against groups like Hamas or political protesters in 2020.