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.

An online scuffle between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines riles up the debate about women’s sports and bullying.

Biles' recent criticism of Gaines—who has become a vocal opponent of transgender inclusion in women’s athletics—ignites a sharp backlash online. Public sentiment among politically engaged Americans overwhelming support in Gaines’ favor.

bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025

American Sentiment

Support leans heavily in favor of Gaines and preventing transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

• 70% of reactions express criticism toward Biles, both for her stance on transgender athletes and the perception of hypocritical bullying.
• 70% support or defend Riley Gaines, aligning with her desire to protect women.
• 25% link the debate to issues of fairness, trans rights, and cultural decay.

The numbers suggest this topic resonates deeply with Americans who are becoming more vocal about women’s sports. The reactions align with previous MIG Reports data showing this as a strong, bipartisan issue.

Gaines as Defender of Fairness

Riley Gaines increasingly emerges as the face of athletic fairness. Her advocacy resonates because it comes from within the system. As a former collegiate swimmer forced to compete against trans-identifying male athletes, Gaines channels firsthand frustration into a broader argument that women are under siege by political ideologues who conflate inclusion with equity.

Online commentary describes Gaines as principled, courageous, and grounded. She is viewed as a key figure defending women. In these discussions, Gaines becomes a symbol of resistance to institutional capture. Critics, largely from progressive or legacy media circles, view her as controversial, calling her names and criticizing her swimming record.

Simone Biles when she had to endure a predatory man

Vs

Simone Biles when other girls have to endure predatory men pic.twitter.com/8p9D51seYr

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 7, 2025

Biles Becoming a Political Lightning Rod

As a decorated Olympic athlete, Simone Biles has long been praised by all Americans. Her achievements are undeniable. But she has also drawn criticism for some of her actions as an athlete, and now for her foray into the gender policy debate. Her criticism of Gaines—however subtle—has triggered a rapid shift in how many on the right view her.

Among the 70% of critical posts, recurring sentiments include:

• “Stick to gymnastics”
• “Biles sold out fairness for woke points”
• “It’s hypocritical to bully Riley for looking ‘manly’”
• “Biles is closing the door behind her, now that her success if over”
• “Mental health retreat now looks like moral retreat”

The backlash underscores a growing impatience with celebrities who use their fame to enter divisive cultural debates, only to fall back on their accomplishments when challenged.

Here’s Simone Biles competing against a male gymnast and getting absolutely humiliated.

Is she sure she’s ok with men in women’s sports? pic.twitter.com/f3XvzSOH3U

— Based Bandita (@MissVega8888) June 7, 2025

Transgender Policy Versus Women’s Rights

This is not an isolated controversy. It’s a node in a larger clash over values. The redefinition of sex-based rights and the scope of government and media power is an ongoing debate.

Those defending Gaines consistently tie her cause to:

• Title IX preservation
• Fair competition
• Parental and women’s rights
• Valid pushback against coercive woke ideology

Her critics often deflect by elevating emotional or identity-based claims—an approach that increasingly fails to persuade a public which demands clarity and boundaries.

The Media's Role and Narrative Distortion

Legacy outlets largely ignore Gaines or cast her as divisive. Biles, meanwhile, receives soft coverage, often framed as a mental health icon rather than a political actor. This contrast fuels online perceptions that media elites protect their ideological allies and punish dissenters.

Among voters, this double standard reinforces a broader belief that the media no longer reports truth but serves a progressive agenda. Americans increasingly form opinions based on direct observation and peer discourse, not editorial framing.

Implications for the Political Right

Riley Gaines offers the GOP and the conservative movement a potent cultural figure who blends traditional values with youthful clarity. She’s articulate, morally grounded, and focused. Republicans looking to engage young voters—especially women—should see in her a strategic ally.

Simone Biles, once considered apolitical, now functions as a cautionary tale. Many feel that any number of medals cannot shield someone from public critique when they endorse policies that voters see as harmful. The right no longer defers to celebrity consensus.

The Los Angeles ICE protests damaged public trust in both state leadership and federal enforcement. Following chaos over the weekend, the story quickly became a national flashpoint, exposing the breakdown of institutional trust across party lines. Figureheads on both sides like Gavin Newsom and Tom Homan draw sharp criticism from the opposition.

Timeline and Trigger Events

The protests started as a response to a coordinated immigration enforcement campaign by the Trump administration. Discussion around deportations escalated as anti-ICE protesters took to the streets.

• Federal ICE actions spark backlash. Viral footage of arrests and aggressive enforcement tactics, fueling protests at detention centers and federal buildings.
• Protest optics intensify the narrative war. Rioters waving Mexican flags, chanting anti-American slogans, and destroying police cars. Creating national controversy.
• Allegations of coordination. Online discourse flags possible NGO involvement, raising suspicions that the protests are neither spontaneous nor civilian-driven.

The LA Riots are not organic pic.twitter.com/mChM0l0mVh

— Phil Holloway ✈️ (@PhilHollowayEsq) June 9, 2025

Trump moves swiftly:

• National Guard debate. Trump offers to send federal troops to support ICE operations and secure federal property, stirring hysteria among Democrats.
• Tom Homan goes scorched earth. Homan warns protestors obstructing enforcement: “You will be detained, and you will be deported.”

🚨#BREAKING: California Governor Gavin Newsom has just dared former ICE Director Tom Homan and President Trump to arrest him for allegedly aiding and abetting undocumented immigrants in the state. “Get your hands off these poor people, they’re just trying to live their lives and… pic.twitter.com/77jaGNw3cd

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 9, 2025

Newsom sentiment tanks:

• Newsom dares arrest. In a press event, Newsom declares, “Let them arrest me,” positioning himself as a martyr figure. But the performance draws more ridicule.
• Credibility collapses. As looting and street chaos spread, Newsom’s calls for calm appear disconnected from reality. Democrats and the media deny violence and vandalism, drawing incredulity from the public.

My statement on what's unfolding in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/rujs8mrVPK

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 8, 2025

Online Reactions to the Protests

Public reactions are overwhelmingly negative, sweeping up Republican figures like Trump and Homan in negativity toward ICE. But liberal leaders like Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass are also receiving severe backlash.

There is outrage, fear, and exhaustion in public discussion. The debate over immigration enforcement exploded into a broader reckoning with civic order and national identity. Each ideological bloc responds according to its core worldview, but a shared undercurrent emerges that no one believes the system is functioning as it should.

On the right, people describe the events as “a riot by foreign nationals,” fueled by open borders policies and Democratic complicity. Footage of protestors waving Mexican flags, looting stores, and setting fire to federal property goes viral as outrage ramps up.

• Terms like “invasion,” “anarchy,” and “domestic terrorism” dominate right leaning discourse.
• There are renewed calls for mass deportations, ICE raids, and full use of federal authority, including the Insurrection Act.
• A subset of right-leaning voices glorifies vigilantism, invoking imagery from the 1992 LA riots—most notably the “Rooftop Koreans” meme.

Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again! pic.twitter.com/UFRhMPCYLb

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 9, 2025

On the left, pundits frame the protests as moral resistance to an authoritarian crackdown. Activists and progressive influencers claim immigration enforcement is being used as a political weapon. Trump and Homan are cast as agents of state repression.

• The rhetoric shifts toward warnings of fascism and ethnic cleansing.
• Narratives emphasize historical injustices, with some claiming the land “was stolen from Mexico” and framing ICE as an occupying force.
• However, even among progressive circles, concerns emerge about the optics—particularly the aggressive imagery and potential alienation of swing voters.

The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor.

This is a day I hoped I would never see in America.

I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward… pic.twitter.com/tsTX1nrHAu

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 9, 2025

Among Independents and disengaged moderates, the response is more cynical. There is little support for the protest tactics, but there is equal skepticism toward state and federal responses.

• Many frame the protests as a breakdown of order caused by years of leadership failure.
• These voices often express disgust with both parties, seeing the entire incident as a sign that no one is in control.
• However, despite media and Democratic criticism, Trump’s public support on immigration is holding strong.

President Trump’s net approval on immigration has skyrocketed.

Turns out Americans like a president who defends Americans from illegals.pic.twitter.com/oxCoWY6K2O

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 9, 2025

Media and Democratic Response

Legacy media coverage of the ICE protests amplifies the fragmentation already visible in public sentiment. Progressive outlets frame the unrest as a justified reaction to heavy-handed federal enforcement or downplay it.

This clip is for all my L.A. friends who texted me tonight saying things like "I'm sure you know this, but 99.9% of LA is going about their Sunday normally" pic.twitter.com/9NwaRzMruK

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) June 9, 2025

Democratic leaders struggle to maintain narrative discipline. Gavin Newsom’s media appearances—ranging from defiant press conferences to vague condemnations of violence—land poorly. His now-infamous “let them arrest me” line is widely mocked, not only by conservatives but also by moderates who view it as theatrical and unserious.

Media coverage aligned with the Democratic establishment compounds the problem:

• Footage of foreign flags, looted businesses, and ICE buses under siege are ignored or reframed as “community pushback,” which alienates Californians.
• Conservative discourse highlights this as proof that the media is protecting the left, reinforcing accusations of a coordinated narrative shield.

Meanwhile, local Democratic figures scramble to convince the public that local law enforcement has everything under control.

JUST IN: California Rep. Judy Chu (D) says the LAPD has the situation in Los Angeles under control as MSNBC plays a split screen of multiple cars on fire.

Don't believe your lying eyes, folks. pic.twitter.com/z9lJUIuigZ

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 9, 2025

Even left-leaning voters grow restless. A subset of liberal voices warns that the party’s handling of the protests could cost them Independents and alienate working-class voters who fear rising disorder.

Ideological Narrative Split

Public discourse follows ideology, each side interpreting the same events according to predefined beliefs. Discourse is not a debate, but a tripartite split in how Americans perceive reality—each group assigns blame, defines legitimacy, and interprets violence in ways that reinforce its worldview.

For the Right, the protests validate long-held warnings about open borders, leftist chaos, and Democrat-run cities. They also view the riots as potentially astroturfed or coordinated by activist groups. The right mocks media coverage for downplaying threats and deliberately obscuring the facts on the ground.

Progressives elevate the protests as necessary resistance to a creeping authoritarian state. They view ICE as inherently illegitimate and see the federal response—particularly Trump’s use of the National Guard—as confirmation of a racist, fascist agenda. Their frustration does extend to liberal leaders like Newsom for doing nothing.

Independents increasingly express fatigue with the entire political structure. They see a system incapable of maintaining order or delivering truth. In their view, the media manipulates, elected officials posture, and the public pays the price.

Collapse of Leadership Symbols

The ICE protests accelerate a trend already in motion where American trust in leadership is quickly decaying. While both right and left leaning figures drew volatile responses, liberal leaders are getting the brunt of public anger.

Tom Homan and Gavin Newsom both took a sentiment hit after the weekend, but Newsom dropped to 35% support while Homan only fell to 41%.

Homan’s no-nonsense posture and unapologetic stance win praise from law-and-order voters who see the protests as taking advantage of soft law enforcement under Democrats. Gavin Newsom suffers stronger public wrath. His sentiment decline comes atop already-low trust levels. Newsom remains the poster child for failed governance—a man more concerned with optics than outcomes.

Broader Political Fallout

The fallout from anti-ICE protests extends far beyond California. Initially a localized confrontation, these events are causing the political class scrambling to reorient, but the public has already drawn conclusions.

On the right, the protests reignite calls for uncompromising immigration enforcement.

• Expect a surge in proposals for mass deportations, expanded ICE operations, and executive crackdowns on sanctuary cities.
• GOP-aligned influencers push the narrative that California has become a failed state—an emblem of what happens when ideology trumps enforcement.

On the left, the protests expose the limits of Democrats' grip on their own coalition.

• Democratic leaders struggle to control the messaging, caught between condemning disorder and signaling support for “the cause.”
• The fracture between party leadership and grassroots activists widens as activists want open confrontation while elected officials issue tepid statements.

This tension creates strategic confusion heading into the 2026 elections. Democrats risk alienating moderates who crave stability while failing to satisfy far left progressives.

Independents—already skeptical—grow more disillusioned.

• Online discussion among swing voters reflects a mix of fear and disgust, with phrases like “no one’s in charge” and “collapse of authority.”
• The longer the protests drag on without resolution, the more these voters drift toward any candidate promising decisive action, regardless of partisanship.

A public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has shattered a once-powerful alliance, setting off a wave of political polarization that scandalizes all sides. According to Trump, the dispute started over revoking EV subsidies.

Musk’s explosive accusation that Trump appears in the Epstein files and Trump’s threat to cancel federal contracts with Musk’s companies have become a dominant topic among all voters online.

Trump: "I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody. He had no problem with it. All of the sudden he had a problem, and he only developed the problem when he found out we're gonna have to the cut EV mandate ... he hasn't said… pic.twitter.com/mJvEAGXaly

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 5, 2025

While MAGA loyalists defend Trump’s actions, many independents and reform-minded Republicans are breaking ranks. Some see Musk as a cautionary figure, someone who gave money, effort, and institutional legitimacy to Trump’s campaign but is now being discarded for challenging fiscal orthodoxy.

MIG Reports data shows:

• 70% of Republican discussion defends Trump.
• 80% of liberal and independent comments condemn Trump’s behavior.
• In discussions of the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB), 70% support Trump and 30% express sympathy with Musk.
• Following the dispute, sentiment toward Elon dipped, while sentiment toward Trump rose.
• Criticism is directed at both figures, while most on the left express enjoyment in seeing the fallout.

Igniting the Fallout

This conflict emerged after Musk stepped away from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But the introduction of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”—a massive spending package that slashes EV subsidies—began the drama.

Musk then escalated the conflict by publicly accusing Trump of appearing in the Epstein files, a move that electrified political media, stifling discussions of behind-the-scenes orchestration.

Feud timeline:

• DOGE: Musk leads fiscal reform efforts aimed at cutting waste and increasing efficiency. Conservatives rally around the program.
• Legislative reversal: Trump’s BBB boosts spending and guts key DOGE-aligned priorities like EV incentives.
• Public fallout: Musk responds with the Epstein accusation. Trump threatens to cancel federal contracts with Musk’s companies.
• Narrative collapse: Both figures abandon any pretense of alignment. Their feud becomes a stand-in for broader political questions.

The fallout occurs at a time of national disillusionment with institutional leadership. The public sees a breakdown in what was supposed to be a united front against bureaucratic rot. For many on the right, especially independents who voted for Trump and reform-oriented conservatives, the rift feels like betrayal. However, many also express their lack of surprise, asserting this was an inevitable outcome.

The Epstein Files Allegation

Elon Musk’s decision to publicly link Donald Trump to the Epstein files caused a major firestorm. Musk’s accusation triggers intense scrutiny and widespread division about the veracity of the claim and what it reveals regarding the power dynamics of loyalty and accountability.

Time to drop the really big bomb:@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.

Have a nice day, DJT!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025

Trump supporters say the Epstein allegation is a smear tactic or an act of vengeance. They describe Musk as bitter over the loss of subsidies and retaliating with elite-style slander. This group says the idea that Trump, long the target of political enemies, has not already been prosecuted for such an allegation, begs incredulity.

Critics of Trump seize on the moment. Those already skeptical of Trump’s moral fitness see the accusation as confirming long-held suspicions. They point to years of rumors, sealed documents, and evasions of accountability as circumstantial validation.

MIG Reports data shows:

• 65% of comments dismiss Musk’s Epstein claim as unfounded or politically motivated.
• 35% support or explore the possibility, with most engagement coming from liberal and Independent-aligned accounts.

Alliance Betrayed

Musk supporters accuse Trump of violating the campaign’s mandate by abandoning a core promise of fiscal discipline with his BBB. Critics, however, argue that Musk overestimated his role and misunderstood the realities of political implementation.

• Betrayal & Political Ingratitude: Some describe Musk as having been “used” by Trump for legitimacy during the campaign, only to be discarded once DOGE’s recommendations became politically inconvenient.
• Policy vs. Personality Framing: Some defend Trump’s fiscal decisions, citing political constraints. Others say Musk’s reaction is less about the bill and more about being silenced.
• Desire for Reconciliation: A handful call for both Trump and Musk to move past the feud, arguing an alliance still holds value for the right.

Economic Blowback and Market Signaling

The political also triggered immediate economic consequences in the financial markets. After Trump’s public threat to cancel federal contracts with Musk-linked companies, Tesla stock plummeted by 14%. While the stock rebounded roughly 5% in premarket trading the following day, the volatility suggests investors take these political feuds seriously.

For fiscal hawks, the market response is validation. It demonstrates the risks of entangling economic policy with vendetta-driven governance. The moment a political figure can erase billions in shareholder value with a single outburst, trust in rule-based economic policy begins to erode.

Trump loyalists dismiss the financial dip as overblown. They argue Tesla’s valuation is inflated and overdue for correction. They say federal contracts should not serve as permanent subsidies for billionaire-led firms. Some also say Elon will come around because he needs Trump more than Trump needs Elon.

Shifting Coalitions and Partisan Realignment

Within Trump’s base, loyalty remains strong. MAGA supporters overwhelmingly frame the feud as Musk turning on the movement that elevated him. They interpret Trump’s attacks as necessary strikes against a volatile, ketamine-fueled billionaire.

Meanwhile, Musk’s support is rising among Trump-critical Republicans, some independents, and libertarian-leaning voters. These groups express alarm not only at Trump’s rhetoric, but at ballooning fiscal policy. They see Musk’s frustration as legitimate.

Democrats seize the moment to reinforce their portrayal of Trump as dangerous and corrupt. They amplify Musk’s Epstein insinuation as evidence of deep rot, calling for immediate release of the files.

On the Trump-Musk feud, @AOC: “Oh man, the girls are fighting, aren’t they?” pic.twitter.com/YoErv1JZ8R

— Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) June 6, 2025

Public sentiment around the job market is increasingly defined by distrust and narrative complexity. Despite low official unemployment, many Americans feel left behind in an economy marked by gig work, automation fears, and policy fatigue.

The economic conversation is shaped by four overlapping storylines:

• Trump’s renewed tariff and layoff policies
• The acceleration of AI-driven disruption
• Concerns about manipulated job data
• Rising frustration over partisan gridlock in Congress.

Together, these forces drive a narrative of distrust, fatigue, and unmet expectations.

Voter Sentiment

MIG Reports data on job market sentiment shows:

• Negative Sentiment: 42% — Emphasizing economic insecurity, job losses, and policy failure
• Positive Sentiment: 33% — Highlighting job growth stats and perceived recovery
• Neutral Sentiment: 25% — Focused on data sharing and historical comparisons without ideological tone

Key Findings and Themes

Low Trust in Official Job Market Narratives

Many Americans believe unemployment figures are massaged to fit political narratives. Voters emphasize that real-life experiences with layoffs, contract work, and stagnant wages often contradict official reports. There are common refrains like, "everyone I know is struggling," dismissing unemployment rates as politically convenient fiction.

Tariffs Polarize Public

Trump’s reintroduction of aggressive trade measures is also dividing voter sentiments. While many support the concept of economic nationalism, others voice concern that poor enforcement, legal reversals, and retaliatory costs are undermining results. A recurring grievance is the clash between executive ambition and legislative inertia.

Government Spending and Layoffs

Defunding Job Corps and mass firings within agencies like the Department of Energy are causing backlash among many voter groups. While many in Trump’s base celebrate dismantling bureaucratic excess, others argue these cuts harm working-class Americans. Voters almost universally express frustration with Congress for contining to fund elite perks while undercutting programs that once provided upward mobility.

AI and Automation as Growing Threats

Anxiety over job loss due to AI and automation is growing. Workers across industries report being displaced or sidelined. Public frustration is mounting over what many call a lack of serious planning for the future of work. Voters see Trump as more attuned to the problem than Biden, but most are still losing patience with rhetoric lacking results.

Sentiment Now Versus Last Year

Previous MIG Reports analysis showed, in late 2024, voter sentiment focused on only 12,000 new jobs created in a month—most of which were government jobs. Last year, there was strong outrage toward the Biden administration and its inaccurate data.

Now in June 2025, sentiment is more diffuse. While jobs have returned on paper, many voters describe them as unfulfilling, short-term, or economically insufficient. A sense of betrayal has expanded beyond Democrats to include both parties and the institutions managing economic policy.

Sentiment Impact of Biden vs. Trump

Under Biden, employment sentiment was driven by accusations of data manipulation and short-term government hires. Voters were quick to call out "fake growth" and low-quality jobs, especially as inflation rose alongside job reports.

Under Trump, expectations have shifted. His base wants results, not slogans. While many appreciate his aggressive stance on trade and bureaucracy, they also note failures like court blocks on mass firings, inconsistent tariff policies, and a lack of clarity on how his policies will handle automation.

Still, Trump enjoys relatively stronger trust. The phrase "at least he fights for us" is common among conservatives, Independents, and the working class. But symbolic trust is conditional—and eroding.

Voter Commentary Highlights

In discussions about both presidents, there are recurring sentiments or phrases. Some of these include:

On Biden

• “Government jobs aren’t real jobs.”
• “The numbers lie. Everyone I know is struggling.”

On Trump

• “At least Trump’s trying to bring jobs back.”
• “I want the tariffs to work, but not like this.”
• “He talks about jobs, but I want to see factories reopening.”

Ukraine’s recent drone strikes against Russian targets have reignited American political discourse about tactics, escalation, and continued U.S. involvement. Public sentiment remains stable, with a majority opposing Russia and a split regarding Ukraine.

Americans still broadly oppose Russian aggression but their sympathy for Ukraine is softening, and the tone of the conversation is skeptical, transactional, and more focused on U.S. national self-interest.

American Sentiment

MIG Reports data shows:

Ukraine

• 54% express support
• 46% voice criticism or opposition

Russia

• 67% oppose Russia
• 33% show any level of approval

Key Implications

• While Ukraine retains a slight majority in support, that margin is tightening.
• Enthusiasm for Ukraine is fading, and support now feels conditional rather than emphatic.
• Voters still oppose Russia by a wide margin, but the emotional intensity behind that opposition has weakened over time.
• Americans increasingly question whether ongoing Ukraine support serves U.S. interests—or merely prolongs a war disconnected from national priorities.

Tactical Success, Strategic Doubt

Ukraine’s drone campaign is widely seen as tactically impressive and symbolically potent. The strikes demonstrate Kyiv’s resilience and ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of Russia’s air defense systems and bringing the war closer to Moscow’s doorstep. But reactions to the strategy are mixed. Many Americans worry the offensive risks provoking more conflict which could entangle the U.S. directly or trigger dangerous retaliation.

Where strikes initially drew admiration, newer reactions reflect growing concern. Voters worry whether Ukraine striking back compromises the American taxpayer or military posture. The drone strikes are creating narrative shift—from “defensive survival” to “offensive escalation”—and with it comes greater scrutiny.

Rising Fatigue and Fiscal Pushback

Public fatigue over U.S. aid to Ukraine now outweighs moral appeals. Commenters frequently invoke the disparity between billions sent abroad and neglected problems at home like securing the border, fighting inflation, and managing the fentanyl crisis. These discussions dominate high-volume threads where voters promote Trump’s America First agenda over foreign involvement.

Support for Ukraine is more conditional and less bipartisan than ever. The once-unifying outrage over Russia’s invasion is fracturing into distinct camps—those who still see Ukraine as a bulwark against tyranny, and those who view it as a distraction from America’s own unraveling.

Corruption Allegations and Institutional Distrust

A major narrative cluster focuses on corruption, both in Kyiv and Washington. Many Americans discuss their suspicion that the Ukraine war is being exploited by political elites and defense contractors for personal gain. Common accusations include money laundering, no-bid contracts, and aid kickbacks.

Figures like Joe Biden and Lindsey Graham are singled out in this discourse, not just for policy decisions but for perceived self-dealing. These narratives blend populist suspicion with anti-globalist sentiment, positioning Ukraine aid as a symptom of institutional rot.

This framing doesn’t necessarily benefit Russia—it simply deepens the public’s distrust in the leadership class. Ukraine becomes another vector for disillusionment with the American establishment.

The Decline of Moral Framing

The narrative around Ukraine is no longer driven by moral clarity. Fewer users invoke democracy, liberty, or sovereignty. Instead, the conversation increasingly references NATO expansion, the 2014 Maidan uprising, and regime-change history. These arguments complicate the binary framing of Ukraine as hero and Russia as villain.

Such skepticism doesn't translate to Russian approval, but it does erode the moral high ground. In its place is a more clinical evaluation of whether this war is worth Americans’ money, risk, and strategic bandwidth.

Strategic Realignment on the Right

Underlying all of this is a shift in foreign policy posture. The dominant energy on the right is moving from hawkish interventionism to guarded nationalism. The idea of “peace through strength” is giving way to “peace through disengagement.” Many voters now view endless foreign commitments as a threat to national stability rather than a defense of it.

Ukraine, once a consensus cause, now serves as a litmus test for how Americans—particularly conservatives and independents—want their country to project power.

Pride Month, which has been a cultural mainstay of progressive politics for years, is starting to show cracks in public perceptions and adherence. Once marketed as an inclusive celebration, Pride month has lost favor for its imposition on corporate marketing, education, media, and more. Americans increasingly view ostentatious Pride displays as politicized and irrelevant.

Public Sentiment Slipping

Starting a couple of years ago with a Bud Light and Target controversy, conservatives pushed back against LGBT ideology coopting American brands. Now, as more voters acknowledge that cultural tides are turning, compulsory Pride displays are no longer in vogue as they were a few years ago.

MIG Reports data shows in overall discussions:

• Just 7% of all recent online discussions touche on Pride Month or LGBTQ+ issues.
• Within that, 30% of discussions expressly support deemphasizing Pride Month.
• 10% cite the dominance of transgender issues as a reason for Pride’s erosion.
• 12% identify corporate pullback, with major brands scaling down Pride marketing.

In LGBTQ-specific discourse:

• 35% express support for Pride or LGBTQ rights.
• 40% are critical or oppositional.
• 25% are neutral, sarcastic, or conflicted.

While Pride discussions are shrinking in general online discourse, many of the mentions carry a mocking, hostile, or derisive tone. There is still significant support from the progressive and cultural left. However, saturation is waning.

Pride Falls Off the Radar

Across wide-ranging conversations—from tariffs to foreign policy to immigration—Pride Month remains on the edges. Where it does appear, it is often used as a punchline or ideological flashpoint.

Comments range from outright hostility to ironic dismissal. Even positive references tend to be sarcastic, often paired with mocking imagery or partisan rhetoric. Discussions among conservatives often touch on related cultural issues like trans ideology and corporate shilling.

Discussions today are a departure from previous years, when corporate campaigns, media coverage, and social media coordination made June a month of wall-to-wall Pride visibility. Now, the silence is telling.

On the right, people point out Trump’s return to office as an indicator of public consensus swinging away from cultural progressivism to patriotic Americanism.

My Southern California Target June 1, 2024
vs
Target June 1, 2025

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pJCEIl4nnS

— Caitlin Francis (@MrsCMFrancis) June 1, 2025

Fractures on All Sides

In conversations centered on LGBTQ rights, sentiment remains divided but pointed. A solid third of commenters defend Pride as a necessary commemoration of civil rights victories. But they are outnumbered by those who see the month as stale, over-marketed, or politically captured.

More voters now see Pride exclusionary rather than inclusive. To critics, it signals state-sanctioned cultural values imposed through schools, government contracts, and corporate branding. Even on the left, there is division about appropriate ways to celebrate Pride. Cultural fragmentation on the left is evident here, mirroring cracks in left leaning politics.

A more neutral “woke fatigue” is also notable among swing-aligned independents. This group increasingly treats Pride messaging as background noise or virtue signaling.

Transgender Politics Eclipses the Brand

In many discussions, transgender issues dominate the Pride conversation. The topics range from trans athletes to gender-affirming care to pronoun mandates in schools. They’re often referenced as the defining features of Pride discourse.

That shift has consequences. Those who support deemphasizing Pride often blame this cultural takeover by trans ideology. They argue the movement has lost focus—what began as a call for dignity and civil rights has become an ideological minefield centered on gender politics and institutional compliance.

Even among supporters, there’s discomfort. Some, particularly more moderate LGB groups, express frustration that trans issues now overshadow gay and lesbian narratives. Others see trans emphasis as alienating to a majority of Americans who do not identify as LGBTQ.

Corporations Step Back

The public is also noticing that Pride is no longer an automatic marketing fixture. Comments point out that brands are either staying silent or carefully neutral. Rainbow logos are fewer. Activist tie-ins are more subdued. The language has shifted from celebration to risk management.

Where once ESG consultants encouraged brands to out-pride one another, many now recognize the political cost. Critics on the right frame the pullback as an overdue correction that has not come soon enough. Progressives more often accuse companies of cowardice.

For many, corporate Pride is now seen as a liability, not a layup.

The Gayness is over pic.twitter.com/Cu9JGcwgCg

— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) June 2, 2025

Reprioritizing Civic Values

As Pride, imposed on public consciousness, declines in prominence, a counter-demand emerges. Americans repeatedly ask why LGBTQ identities are elevated over other labels like military service, trades, faith, or national heritage. This refrain shows up in memes, rhetorical questions, and calls for replacement observances—Veterans Month, Faith Month, or “Straight Pride.”

This impulse to realign identity politics isn’t fringe. It’s part of a broader cultural push to reassert traditional civic symbols. To many, the death Pride signifies a cultural spring where traditional American values return to the forefront of public celebration.

For the last decade, DEI has enjoyed broad institutional acceptance and increasing social obligation. From elite universities to federal agencies to Fortune 500 boardrooms, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies were treated as necessary, even morally unquestionable. That era is over.

Across social platforms, MIG Reports analysis shows DEI now sparks overwhelming hostility, with 80% of public commentary expressing opposition to DEI. The backlash has gone from a silent minority to a nationwide cultural realignment.

Americans do not view DEI as a tool for inclusion but as a mechanism of exclusion which privileges identity over merit, ideology over competence, and bureaucracy over performance. Once sold as equity, voters now perceive DEI as ideological enforcement by elite institutions which should no longer be immune to democratic accountability.

Voters Want Meritocracy

The prevailing critique of DEI rests on its dismissal of meritocracy. Americans say it is reverse discrimination wrapped in corporate jargon. “DEI hire” has become a slur, serving as shorthand for someone assumed to be unqualified but selected to meet an identity quota. For critics, this causes standards to be lowered in pursuit of political optics.

Opposition narratives emphasize fairness, unity, and shared standards. They frame DEI mandates as corrosive to institutional excellence and social cohesion. Americans increasingly agree that DEI is designed to divide rather than unify.

Instead of elevating individuals based on ability, DEI re-ranks opportunity based on race, gender, or ideology. Critics say this punishes ambition and excellence. Resentment is especially acute in education and government, where hiring and admissions decisions affect public trust.

The DEI Symbol Shift

As backlash intensifies, DEI has become a cultural signifier—grouped alongside critical race theory, pronoun mandates, and ESG investing as part of a broader elite orthodoxy. In this environment, rejecting DEI signals alignment with the populist priorities of fairness, constitutionalism, and national cohesion.

BREAKING: MIT shuts down DEI office, per NYP. pic.twitter.com/Hyn0myUaxt

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) May 28, 2025

This symbolic shift place DEI front and center in ongoing culture wars. Conservatives treat it as an existential threat to American values. Moderates and independents don’t go that far, but they question its purpose, cost, and outcomes.

Voters often link DEI to institutional failures. They describe elite universities like Harvard as racially obsessed and detached from merit. They view federal DEI programs as bloated and ineffective. Many also credit President Trump with initiating the downfall of such woke mandates.

The Media Trust Gap

Discussions also increasingly criticize how DEI is covered by legacy media. Axios reports that companies keeping DEI commitments are seeing gains in public reputation. The Axios Harris Poll measured slight increases (1.5 to 2.3 points) in brand perception for these firms, crediting continued DEI efforts.

This framing falls flat with a public growing hostile to progressive ideology and mainstream media. Right-leaning voices see reports like these as elite self-congratulation and attempts to reestablish woke narratives which have lost cultural power.

To DEI critics, the idea that “reputation” gains among media-aligned pollsters indicate broad approval is proof of how disconnected the press is from public mood. Reputation, in this view, is a bubble shaped more by ideological bias than real-world performance.

Online discourse accuses outlets like Axios of filtering reality through an ideological lens. Rather than acknowledging growing skepticism toward DEI, these reports focus on corporate virtue metrics and executive sentiment. That choice reinforces the perception that legacy media acts as a shield for elite narratives rather than an objective observer.

Trump’s Anti-DEI Offensive

Political implications are already visible as Trump and MAGA Republicans reframe DEI as a threat to national competence and integrity. Trump’s critiques—particularly around military readiness and federal hiring—present DEI as a national security liability. His messaging is strong and resonates strongly with voters who want DEI policies reversed.

Governors and lawmakers in red states are capitalizing on the momentum created by Trump’s populist platform. DEI programs are being cut, suspended, or scrutinized. New legislation aims to bar race- or identity-based criteria from admissions, hiring, and procurement. Supportive voters see these proposals as a return to neutrality.

DEI experts can't find jobs. Thousands laid off.

DEI experts lament lack of hiring and DEI "retreat" in major corporations.

- 2,600 laid off
-13% of positions closed
- More than 9 months an no new job openings for one DEI expert.

The woke mind virus is in decline and they are… pic.twitter.com/Mn16Evoa9e

— Grummz (@Grummz) May 28, 2025

Strategic Outlook

For policymakers, there is political upside in proposing race-neutral hiring and budget transparency. For campaigns, DEI rollback offers a populist rallying point with swing voters disillusioned by institutional excess. Framing is simple, emphasizing fairness without favoritism.

For institutions, the reputational calculus is shifting. Public-facing DEI initiatives now carry risk rather than insulation. There is rising pressure to justify outcomes over diversity optics. The days of declaring progress by publishing demographic ratios are ending. Stakeholders want competence, performance, and apolitical governance.

A federal court ruling last week declared that President Trump lacks constitutional authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers. While the legal decision is confined to technical statutory interpretation, public reactions are more sweeping. The ruling exposes fierce disagreements over who controls U.S. economic policy and how far executive power should stretch.

MIG Reports data shows:

• 65% of discussions oppose the court’s decision
• 35% support it the ruling

There is strong voter resistance to judicial constraints on presidential action—particularly among Trump-aligned and populist-leaning voters.

The Constitution as Weapon

Those who support the ruling lean heavily on claims of constitutional principle. They applaud the judiciary for reasserting that tariff authority lies with Congress, not the executive.

Trump critics frame the ruling as a victory for separation of powers, emphasizing that regardless of political affiliation, no president should be allowed to bypass legislative process under vague declarations of economic emergency.

However, some institutionalists recognize the ruling could leave future presidents flat-footed in global trade disputes. On the left, many present the ruling as neutral and nonpartisan, though these celebratory voices are mostly hear in anti-Trump circles.

Conservatives Say Overreach or Sabotage

The right views the ruling as judicial sabotage. Posts condemn the decision as corrupt judicial overreach, a partisan move by the courts to kneecap Trump’s America First agenda. Rather than focusing on statutory limits, commenters accuse the bench of undermining a president who uses tariffs to defend American industry and leverage better trade terms.

Trump supporters see the court’s action as part of a broader pattern where partisan judges are attempting to strip power from a president elected to shake up a stagnant system. Voters warn that neutering the executive’s ability to apply economic pressure in real time invites foreign exploitation and delays critical policy responses.

Liberal Mockery and the TACO Meme Machine

The left is also attempting to seize the moment to score cultural points. MSNBC and liberal influencers are promoting the acronym TACO (“Trump Always Chickens Out”), turning the court ruling into a meme war. The phrase flooded left leaning social media, mocking Trump’s previous tariff threats and implying cowardice when legal pressure mounts.

I should make it my profile picture.#TACO pic.twitter.com/slBqNTXUWy

— Emmyjo (@Road_trippn) May 28, 2025

While some on the right acknowledge inconsistency in tariff implementation, they view the liberal response as performative and noisome. They say liberals have been harping on Trump from every angle for so many years that any new criticism is not taken seriously. This group sees TACO and other attack lines as stemming more from TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) than legitimate criticism.

Trump becomes even more unhinged when he hears “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out). Share the hell out of this clip. #TACOTrump pic.twitter.com/cfKwmmmNsa

— 💥Arbiter of Cool💥😎✌🏻👊🏻 (@ArbiterofCool) May 28, 2025

Market Relief vs. Strategic Loss

Many are also discussing markets responding positively to the court ruling. They say stock futures rose because investors anticipate lower import costs and reduced trade uncertainty. But for economic nationalists, this optimism is shortsighted. They argue the court's ruling removes tariffs as a vital negotiating tool in dealing with bad-faith actors like China.

In this view, market stability bought at the price of sovereign flexibility is a losing trade. Critics of the ruling say the ability to act swiftly and unilaterally is a necessity in an increasingly multipolar world.

Judicial Trust and the Perception of Bias

The ruling also reignites skepticism about judicial neutrality. Among conservatives, there is a strong belief that courts selectively enforce constitutional principles. When Trump acts decisively, courts call it authoritarian. When Democrats govern through executive orders, it’s framed as efficiency. This perceived double standard continues to erode faith in judicial institutions, particularly among right-leaning voters.

Analysis of public comments related to this federal court ruling shows:

• 48% of discussions explicitly or implicitly describe courts as politically motivated and biased against Trump.

Voters say many judges are no longer interpreting law but deliberately obstructing policies with popular mandates. Many insist that judges, appointed through democratic processes, should exercise restraint when countering the executive branch. This is especially when the executive is pursuing policies that voters elected him to carry out.

Many discuss the court’s decision as a strategic political block. This reinforces the perception that institutional elites are determined to override the will of Trump’s voter base. The repeated pattern of Trump-era policies being overturned or delayed by the courts further entrenches beliefs that judicial authority is selectively applied to punish populist reform while shielding establishment interests.