Fifty-four percent of voters support President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA). Support rose to 65% after respondents learned more about the rise of chronic disease in America and the mission of the MAHA Commission.
WHY IT MATTERS – The rise in support among key demographic groups shows the potential of the MAHA agenda to broaden the approval of the President and his policies.
GET CAUGHT UP – President Trump has launched a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to study the rise in chronic disease among Americans, particularly in children. It is expected to examine everything from food quality, environmental toxins, and the way medicine is practiced as potential contributing factors to the rise in chronic illness.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA – The results show a consensus around certain elements of the MAHA agenda. They also show areas where opinion is more narrowly divided, such as on vaccines. Advocates should use this data to focus their efforts toward issues on which there is solid public support.
Particular attention should be paid to support among those who disapprove of President Trump and his policies, as it signifies an opportunity to broaden support.
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Growth Potential for Support of President Trump’s MAHA Agenda
- We tested support for President Trump’s agenda to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) before and after respondents were exposed to a series of questions containing facts about the rise of chronic disease in America and the mission of the MAHA Commission.
- Initially, 54% of Americans supported President Trump’s agenda to Make America Healthy Again. This included 87% of Republicans, 46% of independents, and 26% of Democrats. It also included 15% of those who say they disapprove of President Trump and his policies.
- After exposure, 65% of Americans (+11%) support President Trump’s agenda to Make America Healthy Again. This includes 90% of Republicans (+3%), 62% of independents (+16%), and 42% of Democrats (+16%). It also includes 34% of those who disapprove of President Trump and his policies (+19%).
Broad Agreement on Need for Less Medication and Surgery, More Lifestyle Changes
- 47% say the American health care system does a good job handling chronic disease. 46% say it does a bad job. Republicans and Democrats are more likely to say it does a good job than a bad job, but independents are more negative. 36% of independents say it does a good job. 54% say it does a bad job.
- 69% of voters agree that the American health care system relies too much on medication and surgery to treat chronic disease. This includes 79% of Republicans, 66% of independents, and 62% of Democrats. It also includes 57% of those who disapprove of President Trump and his policies. 21% disagree.
- 58% of voters agree American children are overmedicated. This includes 71% of Republicans, 57% of independents, and 47% of Democrats. It also includes 40% of those who disapprove of President Trump and his polices. 26% disagree.
Concern Over Long Term Effects of Medications, But Division on Vaccines
- 71% of voters agree that we don’t know enough about the long-term health effects of many medicines prescribed to children. This includes 84% of Republicans, 69% of independents, and 59% of Democrats. It also includes 55% of those who disapprove of President Trump and his policies. 19% disagree.
- 48% of voters agree we don’t know enough about the long-term health effects of many vaccines given to children. This includes 64% of Republicans, 41% of independents, and 35% of Democrats. It also includes 26% of those who disapprove of President Trump and his policies. 44% disagree.
Sour Views on American Health
- 60% of voters say Americans have become sicker over the past several decades, including 24% who say Americans have become “much sicker.” Those saying Americans have become sicker include 69% of Republicans, 64% of independents, and 48% of Democrats. 26% say Americans have become healthier.
- 59% of voters say American children have become sicker, including 25% who say they’ve become “much sicker”. Those saying children have become sicker include 69% of Republicans, 64% of independents, and 46% of Democrats. 24% of Americans say children have become healthier.
- After being presented facts about the rise in chronic disease, most Americans say unhealthy foods and lack of exercise are the biggest reasons why Americans are getting sicker. The cost of health care is the third most chosen factor.