The American people’s confidence in the rule of law has dropped to record lows amid President Trump’s ongoing assault against the judiciary. Recent polling reveals that Americans are losing confidence in the court’s role as a legitimate check on executive power. The polling also reveals that a majority of Americans believe Trump thinks he’s above the law.
These sentiments stem from Trump and his allies’ repeated attacks on judges who rule against him and his brazen defiance of court orders he doesn’t want to follow. As polling shows, all of this is contributing to what Americans see as a looming constitutional crisis and a direct threat to our fundamental freedoms.
The Judiciary Crisis in Numbers:
Confidence in the ability of the courts to check executive power has decreased significantly in recent years.
- According to a report from the World Justice Project, the percentage of Americans who believe that the courts are very likely or likely to hypothetically stop a president’s illegal actions has decreased by 16 points since 2018.
- According to this same report Americans overwhelmingly consider rule of law to be crucial. Near-universally, Americans agree that rule of law is essential or important to the future of the country, U.S. democracy, and their own lives.
- A March 2025 CBS poll found that 77 percent of adults say judges should be able to review and determine the legality of the Trump administration’s policies should a case be brought before them.
Attacks on federal judges are unpopular with Americans–regardless of their political affiliation.
- An April poll from Marquette Law School showed that 70 percent of adults across the ideological spectrum oppose impeaching judges for ruling against Trump.
Trump’s violation of multiple court rulings signals to voters that he is a threat to democracy.
- According to a Navigator Research poll from April 2025, nearly two-thirds of voters (65 percent) are concerned that Trump has violated multiple court orders.
- Nearly two-thirds of voters (63 percent) also believe Donald Trump thinks he’s above the law.
- A majority (57 percent) believe Trump is a threat to American democracy.