Most Americans Say the Trump Administration Must Obey Federal Courts As Legal Rifts Mount: Survey

A large majority of Americans believe the Trump administration must comply with federal court rulings at a moment when officials continue to defy several of them, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

According to the survey, almost 8 in 10 Americans (78%) say the Trump administration should be required to stop an action if a federal court declares it illegal. That share rises to 88% if the ruling comes from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Support for judicial authority differs depending on party affiliation, with 91% of Democrats and 65% of Republicans supporting compliance with federal court rulings. Those numbers increase to 95% and 82% for Supreme Court decisions, respectively.

Despite the figures, confidence in the courts' fairness is low, according to the Pew Research, as only 17% of Republicans and 14% of Democrats express a high level of confidence that federal judges decide cases fairly and impartially. Overall approval of the Supreme Court remains near historic lows, with 51% of Americans viewing it favorably and 47% unfavorably.

The debate over compliance with court rulings has intensified in llight of the case involving the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man sent to El Salvador. Even though the Supreme Court ordered his return, the Trump administration challenged the interpretation of the ruling, arguing that it does not mandate compliance. The case raises the prospect of the administration being held in contempt of court.

The survey also provides a broader view of public opinion on the administration's policies and governing style as Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his second term. Overall, 40% of Americans approve of his job performance, down seven points from February.

Majorities disapprove of several key policy decisions: 59% oppose increased tariffs, and 55% disapprove of budget cuts to federal departments. Additionally, 51% say the administration is setting too much policy through executive orders.

Partisan divisions remain sharp, with 75% of Republicans approving of Trump's job performance and 93% of Democrats disapproving, with similar majorities opposing his key initiatives.

Immigration remains Trump's strongest issue, with 48% of Americans expressing confidence in his handling of the matter. However, the same policies also draw criticism. While 20% cite immigration actions, including deportations, as what they like most about the administration, 11% say they are what they like least.