Confirmation hearings for key Trump administration nominees, including Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, and Marco Rubio are predictably partisan. These proceedings have caused some stir in both public discourse and the press. In general, those who are following the hearings closely support Trump’s nominations.

Discussion Highlights

Of the nominees who have already had confirmation hearings, Pete Hegseth—nominated to Secretary of Defense—has generated the most interest.

• Pete Hegseth: Support (50%), Opposition (35%), Neutral (15%).
• Top voter concerns: Security (42%), Ideologies (41%), Economic Issues (44%).
• Top themes: Strong backlash against “woke” policies in the military, calls for merit-based governance, and debates over the GOP's trajectory.

Pete Hegseth

Hegseth has become the face of conservative resistance to “woke” military policies. He draws both strong support and sharp criticism with his controversial image and personal life.

Support

• MIG Reports data shows 50% of those discussing Hegseth support him, with veterans and military leaders rallying behind his traditional military values.
• His opposition to diversity initiatives resonate with conservatives seeking a return to meritocracy.
• Though there is some concern about allegations against him, most of his supporters dismiss them as overblown.

Criticism

• 35% of voters voice opposition to confirming Hegseth, citing allegations of misconduct and controversial statements on women in combat.

Pam Bondi

Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi appeals to voters who want strong rule-of-law, public safety, and a neutral justice system.

Support

• Bondi’s tenure as Florida Attorney General earns her widespread respect—particularly when contrasted with Trump’s initial nominee, Matt Gaetz.
• Around 62% of discussions in Florida mention Bondi compared to 48% nationally.
• Her staunch defense of the Second Amendment appeals to conservatives.

Criticism

• Some voters express concern about her stance on firearm regulations, fearing overreach could alienate libertarian-leaning conservatives.

Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, nominated to replace Alexander Mayorkas as DHS Secretary, is controversial across the aisle and among conservatives. She draws strong support for her unapologetic stance on certain social issues but receives some skepticism as well.

Support

• Her governance during COVID showcased a commitment to individual freedoms, earning positive sentiment among conservative voters.
• Advocates view her as a model of state-level governance prioritizing liberty and cultural values.

Criticism

• Skepticism about her healthcare policies persists, with concerns about long-term economic repercussions.

Marco Rubio

Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio gains support from those who are hopeful a Trump 2.0 administration can correct U.S. national security and foreign affairs.

Support

• Voters appreciate Rubio’s strong stance against China and his focus on preserving the U.S. dollar’s dominance.
• Rubio’s foreign policy expertise resonates particularly with Florida voters.
• Discussion of his foreign policy stances dominate conversations about his confirmation hearing.

Criticism

• Ties to the Republican establishment alienate grassroots and MAGA conservatives who prefer more disruptive leaders.

Doug Burgum

Reactions to former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s nomination for Secretary of the Interior are generally positive, particularly regarding economic growth and energy independence.

Support

• Burgum receives praise for his leadership in North Dakota, where energy production has driven job creation and economic stability.
• Many view him as a voice of reason for rural and energy-focused voters.

Criticism

• His limited visibility on national issues raises questions about his ability to lead in a divided political climate.

Cross-Cutting Themes

Partisan Divides

Republican nominees generally gain support within the party for emphasizing traditional values and governance. However, Democratic senators went after most of them for with partisan criticisms and questions about personal character.

"Woke" Policy Backlash

Conservatives overwhelmingly oppose diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, supporting nominees who promise to root DEI out of government.

National Security Focus

Most Americas prioritize strengthening the military and countering foreign threats, particularly China’s growing influence. National sentiment on security issues is 42%, indicating significant negativity about the current situation.

Economic Concerns

National sentiment on the economy is slightly better—44%. Those discussing this issue cite a desire for fiscal responsibility and reducing inflation. There is also widespread frustration with government spending and taxation.

The Democratic Party’s economic messaging during the Biden administration was that “everything is okay” and “it’s not as bad as you think.” Since the election, rhetoric has begun to shift in tone and focus. With Trump back in office, Democrats are remembering the importance of acknowledging the voters’ plight in a down economy.

Voter Sentiment 

MIG Reports data from recent online discussion shows the inverse patterns of public perception among Democrats and Republicans.

Jobs

• 70% of Democratic-leaning voters are positive about jobs under Biden.
• 68% of Republicans are critical, citing illegal immigrating competition government job growth.

Economy

• 30% of Democrats praise Biden’s economy, citing healthcare and education funding.
• 20% voice dissatisfaction with inflation and policy mismanagement.
• 65% of Republicans are critical of Biden’s economy, including inflation and wage stagnation.

Trade

• 70% of Democratic voters worry about Trump’s tariff plans leading to trade wars.
• 65% of Republican voters support aggressive trade policies to correct imbalances.

Post-Election Rhetoric

Fiscal Responsibility

Since November, Democratic messaging has shifted toward acknowledging fiscal concerns, including national debt, which consumes nearly 30% of government revenue. Voter frustration with inefficient spending, particularly on foreign aid and disaster management, has driven calls for greater accountability. Comparatively, pre-election rhetoric often downplayed fiscal mismanagement, focusing instead on equity-driven narratives.

“America Last” Social Safety Nets

Democrats consistently champion social safety nets like unemployment benefits and healthcare programs. Advocating for unemployment benefits for illegal immigrants draws sharp criticism from Republicans, independents, and some disenchanted Democrats.

Post-election, their rhetoric is focusing on defending these programs against Republican critiques. However, voter sentiment reveals growing dissatisfaction with how Biden has implemented and prioritized these policies.

Equity-Focused Policies

The Democratic push for taxing the wealthy and funding climate initiatives continues, but voter dissatisfaction with delayed tangible benefits is growing. Progressive rhetoric on equity contrasts sharply with middle-class frustrations over rising living costs and inflation.

Strategic Shifts in Messaging

Inflation and Cost-of-Living

Inflation remains a pivotal voter issue. With Biden leaving office and Trump entering, Democrats are starting to adopt a more realist stance. They are more willing to acknowledge the reality of inflation under Trump 2.0. This contrasts with pre-election narratives, where Democrats minimized inflationary concerns.

Trade and Global Economics

Democratic fear about tariffs and trade wars brings rhetoric around potential consumer price increases. Pre-election messaging often emphasized balanced trade, even as Biden continued many of the trade policies from Trump 1.0. However, sentiment shows Republicans are successfully framing tariffs as necessary for economic nationalism.

Jobs and Employment

Job creation under Biden is a central Democratic talking point as they tout more than 250,000 nonfarm payroll increases in December 2024 and a 4.1% unemployment rate. However, Republican critiques linking job market struggles to policies benefiting illegal workers and job growth from government jobs is causing a pivot to acknowledging job displacement.

Contrasts with Republican Messaging

Republicans maintain focus on fiscal conservatism and economic nationalism. They emphasize inflation control, debt reduction, and middle-class tax relief. This contrasts with progressive idealism and perceptions of rampant spending under Biden.

Recommendations

• Capitalize on Inflation Concerns: Highlight Democratic unwillingness to address inflation and jobs under Biden—connect this to middle-class hardships.
• Emphasize Fiscal Conservatism: Contrast Democratic spending inefficiencies with Republican calls for debt reduction and the goals of DOGE.
• Push for Economic Nationalism: Frame aggressive trade policies as a defense of American jobs and sovereignty.

In the days prior to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, his ongoing legal challenges remained present in online voter discussions. Multiple cases, from the hush money scandal to accusations of election interference, continue to divide Americans.

Recent Legal Developments

• Hush Money Case Sentencing: On Jan. 10, 2025, Trump was sentenced in the hush money case, with Judge Juan Merchan granting him an unconditional discharge. This decision, which ensures that Trump faces no jail time or probation, is a significant legal win.
• Georgia RICO Case: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was dismissed from prosecuting Trump’s election interference case due to a conflict of interest. Though Willis appealed this ruling, many believe the case is essentially dead.
• Special Counsel Report: Special Counsel Jack Smith released a report detailing how Trump’s actions surrounding the 2020 election could have led to a conviction had he lost the election. For most, the report only confirms their beliefs either about Smith's corruption or Trump’s guilt.
• Presidential Immunity: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have immunity from prosecution for official actions, impacting Trump’s legal defense in ongoing cases.

Voter Sentiment

MIG Reports data shows:

• 42% of public sentiment includes skepticism toward charges against Trump, often framing them as politically motivated attacks.
• 31% support legal action and scrutiny of Trump, emphasizing the importance of accountability saying, “no one is above the law.”
• 27% express indifference or fatigue, with many Americans tired of the continuous legal drama.

A Weaponized Justice System (42%)

Much of the public concedes that Trump’s legal challenges are largely politically motivated, especially among MAGA voters. The notion of a “witch hunt” persists, with many Trump loyalists seeing the legal system as weaponized by the Democratic establishment. Developments like Fani Willis being disqualified reinforce this narrative.

Trump defenders argue most of the legal actions are designed to weaken him politically, especially prior to the 2024 election. They frame him as a victim of establishment elites politicizing the justice system to maintain their power and undermine the will of the people.

Support for Legal Accountability (31%)

Critics say Trump must face the consequences of his actions, regardless of political affiliation. Those who support indictments argue the rule of law should apply to everyone equally, regardless of status or political power.

Many in this group express frustration with Trump’s repeated claims of victimization, viewing his legal troubles as the inevitable consequences of his actions. This group is often composed of Democrats, progressives, and “never Trump” Republicans.

Indifference or Fatigue (27%)

A third of the public feel resignation or apathy toward Trump’s ongoing legal battles. They say the cases have become a monotonous feature of the political landscape, contributing to a growing cynicism about the effectiveness of the legal system. Some view these trials as distractions that will not change Trump’s political trajectory.

This sentiment is particularly pronounced among independents and moderates. They are weary of the endless media coverage and complex legal arguments. For this group, partisan fights and accusations are business as usual. They voice little expectation that anything will come of the feeble and crumbling cases.

Partisan Views

As expected, Trump’s legal troubles divide public opinion along partisan lines. Among Republicans, skepticism reigns. MAGA voters distrust the prosecutors and judges involved in Trump’s cases. They particularly view Fani Willis’s dismissal as a victory, seeing her as obviously corrupt.

For Democrats, hampering and punishing Trump is of utmost priority. They talk of upholding democratic norms, though heated rhetoric and character assassination betrays hostile motivations, regardless of the strength of legal arguments.

Independents are mixed, with frustration about the ongoing legal drama and the lack of clear resolution. Some many voters are simply exhausted by the continuous cycle of legal issues and media coverage.