New Research Shows Voters Split on Shutdown Over Musk and DOGE, But Strongly Favor Protecting Social Safety Net
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT
Center Aisle Coalition is committed to fostering bipartisan dialogue and informed decision-making in Congress. Today, we’re sharing new polling from Tavern Research that provides key insights into how the American public views a potential government shutdown—particularly when it comes to oversight of DOGE, Elon Musk, and the protection of social safety net programs.
Democrats should not accept the premise that they are responsible for a shutdown in a fully Republican controlled government (House, Senate, WH). To win the communications narrative on a shutdown fight, Democrats need to drive a disciplined message that Trump and Congressional Republicans are threatening to cut core social safety net programs. These are issues every Democrat can agree on and many Americans are reliant on. Democratic narrative needs to coalesce quickly and be amplified broadly given the shutdown deadline of March 14. Democrats need to let the American people know that their personal interests are in this funding battle. Democrats must be seen fighting for the people.
The report, based on a survey of 1,800 Americans, reveals a divided electorate:
No clear majority supports a shutdown over DOGE and Musk. While many voters support increased oversight, shutdown backing depends on how the issue is framed.
Social safety net protections, however, have strong bipartisan support. More than half of respondents (54%) say funding the government should be contingent on protecting Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, and Food Stamps from budget cuts or policy changes under DOGE.
Key Takeaways from the Report
DOGE & Musk Oversight is Contentious
37% say Democrats should insist on oversight of DOGE, even at the risk of a shutdown.
40% believe conditions on Musk and DOGE should be enforced even if it causes a shutdown, while 43% say Congress should pass a budget to avoid disruption.
Strong Public Support for Social Safety Net Protections
51% of voters say Democrats should not fund the government unless programs like Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid are protected from cuts.
54% believe protecting these programs from DOGE-driven reductions should be a core condition of funding the government.
Most Popular Conditions for Government Funding
When asked which shutdown justification they found most important, respondents overwhelmingly favored policies that protect social safety nets over those that merely rein in DOGE and Musk:68% support a formal guarantee that Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Food Stamps won’t face future cuts under DOGE.
54% back a mandate preventing DOGE and Musk from accessing personal data without strict oversight.
52% support a rule preventing DOGE from freezing or redirecting funds without explicit Congressional approval.
What This Means for Congress
This research underscores a critical reality: while oversight of DOGE and Musk is a hot-button issue, a government shutdown is far more popular when tied to protecting social safety net programs. The Center Aisle Coalition encourages members of Congress to consider this public sentiment as budget negotiations continue.
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