The recent wave of anti-ICE demonstrations and anti-Trump “No Kings” protest don't seem to shift public sentiment. Reactions to the protests suggest conservative support for deportation policies is firming and liberals see them as resistance to federal overreach.

Many on the right view the protests as coordinated, Democratic and foreign-funded attacks on law enforcement and national sovereignty. Rather than influencing opinions, the unrest in LA and other cities is solidifying existing views of immigration and reinforcing support for President Trump’s hardline enforcement approach.

Change in Sentiment Over the Last Week

Public sentiment has not meaningfully shifted in the week since the protests began. If anything, sentiment among politically engaged voters has become more resolute. Instead of provoking reevaluation, the protests have crystallized opposing worldviews—pushing voters further into existing camps.

There is no broad reassessment of ICE policy or Trump’s actions. Instead, the unrest serves as a symbolic inflection point where conservatives say it confirms immigration enforcement is under siege, while progressives say it threatens constitutional rights.

The effect of these protests is consolidation, not persuasion. The left is louder but not larger. Online discussions, media narratives, and political influencers push Trump criticism, but the numbers don’t suggest any erosion of pro-enforcement support.

Support for Deportations and Trump’s ICE Actions

MIG Reports data confirms that support for immigration enforcement remains solid, particularly among conservatives. Sentiment has not fractured under pressure from protest optics or media framing. Instead, the most consistent reaction is expressing confidence in Trump’s approach to deportation and law enforcement.

• 47% support deportation enforcement efforts.
• 33% oppose ICE, often linking it to excessive force or procedural abuse.
• 20% hold neutral or mixed views, with many expressing legal uncertainty.

Real-time metrics show a coherent and stable base of support for Trump’s immigration posture. Those backing deportations frame the issue as one of national integrity and legal obligation. They reject the idea that enforcement is inherently political, instead treating it as the restoration of a neglected constitutional duty.

Critics fail to offer a compelling counterweight. Their arguments—centered on humanitarianism or rule-of-law violations—do not appear to resonate beyond their own base. Calls for moderation or reform seem to have little weight in the current climate. Many view Trump's decisions, including deploying ICE and National Guard resources, as pragmatic, lawful, and long overdue.

Are Protests Funded or Inorganic?

Discussion of the planned “No Kings” protests, prior to June 14, does not treat them as organic expressions of public outrage. Instead, many conservative voices frame the demonstrations as coordinated and professionally engineered operations aimed at undermining lawful immigration enforcement and delegitimizing the Trump administration.

• 35% of discussions related to the protests explicitly view them as orchestrated by well-funded groups and political actors, not grassroots movements.
• There are claims that the protests are “DNC-funded,” “NGO-backed,” or “paid agitator” operations.
• Many reference foreign flags, pre-made signage, bricks being delivered, and protester logistics as evidence of staging.
• Some assert that the protests serve as media bait designed to portray ICE enforcement as authoritarian.

A large portion of Americans argue these demonstrations are being used to provoke federal overreach, destabilize the public, or generate an authoritarian backlash narrative. They suggest Democrats and their allied nonprofits are counting on chaos that will translate into political capital. For conservatives, this possibility strengthens their resolve to press forward with enforcement.

Left vs. Right

Reactions to the protests reveal a binary moral framing with little room for nuance. Each side operates with fundamentally different assumptions about law, legitimacy, and the role of federal power.

Right-leaning perspectives

• View the protests as chaotic, foreign-influenced, and anti-American.
• Frame deportation as a legal necessity and ICE as a frontline agency defending national sovereignty.
• Dismiss liberal outrage as performative and detached from the real dangers posed by uncontrolled immigration.

Left-leaning perspectives

• View the protests as essential resistance against authoritarian encroachment.
• Portray ICE and Trump’s enforcement actions as unconstitutional and morally indefensible.
• Emphasize civil liberties, humanitarian concern, and racial equity as driving principles.

These diverging worldviews mostly reinforce themselves. For many, each protest, each ICE raid, and each viral video confirms preexisting moral allegiance. The right believes the more violent protests become, the more justified the enforcement appears. On the left, the escalation confirms fears of democratic erosion. There is little crossover—and no signs of convergence.

Perceived Effectiveness of the Protests

While the protests generate attention, they are not universally seen as effective or legitimate in purpose.

• Right-leaning voices: Overwhelmingly dismiss the protests as theatrics, not meaningful resistance.
• Left-leaning voices: Defend the protests on symbolic grounds, even if practical outcomes remain elusive.
• Independent and skeptical observers: Question whether the protests will lead to any concrete change or if they simply damage communities and cost money.

Among conservatives, there is a consistent belief that protests will not influence policy, but will creating negative optics, particularly for Democrats like Gavin Newsom. Many say protests are only mean for provocation and to bait federal overreach and cast Trump as the villain.

Even among some on the left, there’s quiet frustration about the lack of strategic clarity and negative publicity. The protests claim moral energy but offer no cohesive policy alternative. As a result, the discourse remains gridlocked.

Media and Messaging Framing

Narratives around the No Kings protests and ICE enforcement actions are shaped as much by media portrayal as by the events themselves. Both sides accuse the press of manipulation—though for different reasons.

Conservative perspectives

• Accuse mainstream outlets of glamorizing protest violence while ignoring law enforcement restraint.
• Argue the media selectively amplifies footage that portrays ICE and Trump in the worst possible light.
• View legacy press as aligned with progressive messaging, crafting a narrative of authoritarianism to sabotage immigration control.

Liberal perspectives

• Claim media coverage whitewashes federal abuses and centers too heavily on property damage instead of civil rights.
• Argue both corporate and state-linked outlets downplay the moral gravity of raids and deportations.
• Use social media to circumvent traditional channels, often sharing unverified but emotionally charged content.

This mutual distrust results in two incompatible storylines. For right-leaning analysts and voters, the press is complicit in the ideological campaign against national sovereignty. For progressives, media silence or misdirection signals a failure to hold power accountable.

As tensions surge between Israel and Iran, American voters are expressing alarm. According to many reports, Israel is preparing for a military strike on Iran and U.S. embassies in the Middle East are evacuating personnel. Americans are bracing for fallout.

Trump’s second-term foreign policy—marked by restrained military engagement but vocal opposition to a nuclear Iran—has triggered fierce online debate. The Iran-Israel standoff is becoming a test of American sovereignty, political trust, and the legitimacy of long-standing alliances.

Voter Sentiment

American sentiment on how President Trump is handing the Israel-Iran situation is split:

• 45% of overall discussions support President Trump’s cautious approach, favoring troop withdrawals and diplomatic hedging.
• 55% oppose it, driven by fears of escalation, distrust of Israeli influence, or belief that Trump is either complicit or weak.

When dividing conversation between parties, Republicans overwhelmingly support Trump’s foreign policy (70/30) and Democrats overwhelmingly oppose it (80/20).

• Protests are preemptively being planned by anti war activists and conservative populists alike, should Trump approve a military strike.
• Some voters openly call for shutting down cities or organizing national boycotts if Israel proceeds and America follows.
• Several online threads warn of a domestic backlash if Americans are drawn into another foreign conflict without clear congressional authorization.

Conservative Sentiment

Roughly 70% of conservatives posting online defend Trump’s strategy. They praise his restraint, view Israeli aggression as Israel’s responsibility, and argue America should avoid another entangling war. These voices echo Trump’s “America First” doctrine, insisting the U.S. has nothing to gain by policing the Middle East.

However, around 30% of right-leaning voices express criticism. They accuse Trump of ceding American decision-making to Israel, with warnings that “if Trump bombs Iran, I’m out.” This isolationist faction is increasingly vocal, angry, and highly engaged online. Their critique emphasizes a sense of betrayal if America gets dragged into war. Some criticize America’s allegiance with Israel entirely, arguing support would be a violation of Trump’s America First agenda.

Liberal and Centrist Sentiment

Liberals and centrists overwhelmingly reject Trump’s tactics—about 80% disapprove. They say he’s erratic, self-serving, and potentially disastrous. Many claim he is using the crisis to distract from domestic problems or shore up support from pro-Israel political donors.

The few who offer qualified approval mention U.S. embassy evacuations and signals of non-engagement. But even among these voices, support is tepid and driven by fear of what a wider war could bring.

Key Themes in Discourse

Distrust of the U.S.-Israel Relationship

Accusations that Israel is calling the shots in Washington dominate both left-leaning and conservative discourse. Voters describe the alliance as parasitic, not strategic. Many accuse Trump of “letting Israel dictate policy,” framing Israel as a liability, not an ally.

Fear of Escalation and Economic Fallout

The most common concern is rapid escalation. Voters invoke “World War III,” anticipate $400/barrel oil, and warn of retaliatory strikes on American bases. Isolationist conservatives and anti-war progressives converge on the message, “This isn’t our fight.”

Skepticism of Pretexts and WMD Claims

A powerful undercurrent compares rhetoric about Iran’s nuclear program to the run-up to the Iraq War. Many do not believe Iran poses an imminent threat. They say, “prove it or shut up” on both sides. Americans are done taking intelligence agencies or foreign governments at their word.

Foreign Policy Realignment

The crisis is drawing calls for a full reassessment of America’s strategic priorities. Many comments demand that Congress reevaluate military aid to Israel, review intelligence sharing agreements, and prevent further unilateral executive war powers. Voters want clear lines of accountability—before missiles fly.

Rage and Radicalization

The tone is incendiary. Accusations of genocide, false-flag operations, and foreign blackmail pepper the conversation. Cynicism is deep on both sides. Voters increasingly suspect that decisions are driven by elite distractions, foreign lobbying, and permanent Washington’s hunger for control.

Political Repercussions

Trump’s coalition is under strain. His base remains intact but splinters at the edges when it comes to foreign policy. Isolationist conservatives see the Iran-Israel conflict as a breaking point. Independent voters remain skeptical and conflicted. They voice fears of economic instability, global escalation, and executive overreach.

On the left, the crisis is used to highlight what they frame as authoritarianism, militarism, and foreign influence over American institutions. But even among Democrats, there’s discomfort with the level of deference traditionally shown to Israel—marking a significant cultural shift.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is beginning to overcome early skepticism about his IRS downsizing to full-throated approval following Treasury revenue gains. Many conservatives see Bessent’s results as a proof-of-concept for technocratic reform within a MAGA framework.

Critics of @POTUS’ efforts to modernize the IRS warned that the effort would result in a 10% shortfall in receipts.

Instead, the opposite happened.

April receipts this year were up 9.5% over the previous year. And receipts in May were up 14.7% over the previous year.

Most… pic.twitter.com/08OUqRDolj

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 11, 2025

Public sentiment toward Bessent is increasing with positive news this week, despite criticism from Democrats. He has become a policy executor as well as a cultural symbol perceived as smart, non-performative, and politically effective.

Voter Sentiment Trends

MIG Reports data shows Bessent's approval trajectory is on the rise:

• In the last three days, public sentiment has increased from 42% to 47%.
• Discussions around taxation, Trump’s Cabinet, and monetary policy all hover around 45%.
• In the last week, top discussion topics mentioning Bessent include Trump’s Cabinet, fiscal policy, trade, and taxation.
• Sentiment in his top eight topics are all above 40%.

Even with confrontations during Bessent's House testimony on Treasury priorities, many voters criticize Democrats like Del. Stacey Plaskett.

Excuse you!! This twat, cunt, pum pum whatever you want to call it represents an organ that gives LIFE and is resilienr so thanks for the compliment. I can take one interruption but Bessent was out of control. And…. I know I look good for my age but baby I’m post menopausal and… https://t.co/04jSJPVknP

— Rep. Stacey Plaskett (@StaceyPlaskett) June 11, 2025

Narrative and Meme Realignment

Narrative Control Flip

In recent online discussions among Democrats and those on the left, sentiment skews negative. They criticize how Bessent is handling the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), fearing IRS layoffs would cripple revenue enforcement. Those themes peaked around June 6 but are eroding with Bessent's announcement showing strong revenue returns.

Bessent’s supporters now tout the Treasury’s release of April (+9.5%) and May (+14.7%) tax revenue growth, using it to pivot from “reckless” to “reformer.” Even Axios coverage accelerates the narrative shift, with the headline framing Bessent as “delivering results under pressure.” The positivity is particularly strong among fiscal conservatives. They see Bessent as competent and making conservative governance work.

Meme Culture and Linguistic Tone

Meme trends provide a further window into cultural repositioning. Earlier sarcastic slogans such as “One Big Beautiful Scam” and “Budget Axe Barbie” have been overtaken by celebratory or taunting phrases like:

• “Audit This”
• “Receipts > Rhetoric”
• “He Bessented Them”
• “Fewer Agents, More Money”

These shifts bolster Bessent’s persona online, evolving from faceless functionary to cultural weapon. Linguistically, the use of assertive verbs like “delivered,” “dismantled,” “restructured” now dominate supportive discussion.

Policy Substance Driving Approval

IRS Modernization and the Revenue Windfall

The Trump administration’s IRS overhaul is the keystone of Bessent’s rising credibility. While the political left forecasted disaster following mass IRS staffing cuts, the Treasury’s May receipts show robust growth. Bessent’s claim—that AI-assisted auditing and tech upgrades would outperform headcount expansion—is being validated in both numerical and narrative terms.

His June testimony before the House further solidifies support. When Bessent stated, “We don’t need 87,000 agents—we need smart enforcement,” it was immediately clipped and memed, especially across Trump-aligned audiences.

One Big Beautiful Bill

Trump’s BBB remains divisive. The bill’s failure to remove taxes on Social Security and tips generated early backlash. But online rhetoric has cooled. Supporters see the BBB as “a tactical half-measure” or “first phase reform,” using it as justification for continued support rather than a dealbreaker.

Debt Limit Messaging Advantage

Bessent’s revenue success pushes the X-date further into the summer, giving the administration some budgetary breathing room. Internal discourse in conservative financial circles describes Bessent as a “calm strategist.” The delay itself becomes part of the approval surge—a signal that Treasury is under control.

Cultural and Symbolic Role

Bessent is now positioned as an anti-DEI success story. Right-leaning voters increasingly cite him as an example of how inclusion doesn’t need to be performative to be effective. Many acknowledge his openly gay and financially elite identity status, but argue these characteristics don’t matter. Instead, supporters press for “Merit first, labels last.”

Those who defend Bessent online contrast him with more bombastic or ideologically driven officials. They say things like, “While others are lecturing, Bessent is cashing the checks.” The alleged Musk-Bessent spat, once fodder for criticism, has faded. In its place is a sentiment that perhaps Bessent was right.

Positioning Within the Cabinet and Beyond

The buzz around Bessent’s next move is growing. His name is circulating as a potential Federal Reserve Chair nominee or head of a consolidated economic reform council. His unique appeal—part policy hawk, part anti-bureaucracy operative—makes him a natural fit for continued leadership.

The administration sees him as an asset in the fiscal messaging war. The Trump base sees him as proof that results matter more than showmanship. A strategic elevation could lock in both camps.