A majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump is using his power to target political opponents, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll that highlights growing public concern about political retribution and deepening national division.
The nationwide survey, conducted online between October 17 and 20, 2025, polled over 4,300 U.S. adults and found that 55% of respondents agreed that Trump is “using federal law enforcement to go after his political enemies.” Only 26% disagreed, while the remaining participants were unsure.
The poll results reveal a sharply polarized electorate. Among Democrats, an overwhelming 85% said they believe Trump is targeting his rivals, while just 29% of Republicans agreed. Independents were more divided, with a narrow majority expressing concern over the politicization of law enforcement.
Concerns Over Rule of Law and Division
The findings come amid a wave of federal investigations and prosecutions involving several of Trump’s critics, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton all of whom have been vocal opponents of the president.
While Trump and his administration deny that political bias plays any role in these cases, critics argue that the Justice Department’s recent actions appear to fulfill Trump’s long-standing promise to “go after those who went after him.”
“This data underscores how fragile public confidence in law enforcement and government impartiality has become,” said a Reuters political analyst. “When more than half of the country believes the president is targeting his enemies, it speaks to a deep institutional trust crisis.”
Widening Political Divide
The poll also revealed broader concerns about national polarization. Nearly 67% of Americans said they are worried about growing political conflict in the U.S., with 43% describing themselves as “very concerned.” Those numbers have risen from 39% a year ago, showing that political tension continues to intensify.
Experts warn that this erosion of trust could have long-term effects on American democracy. “Perceptions of selective justice damage the credibility of institutions,” said Dr. Laura Jennings, a political science professor at Georgetown University. “Once people lose faith in fair governance, restoring it becomes extremely difficult.”
Trump’s Rhetoric and Public Reaction
Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly used combative language against perceived adversaries, referring to some as “traitors” or “corrupt insiders.” In recent speeches, he hinted that officials who “weaponized the system” against him would face “accountability.”
Such remarks have further fueled fears that his administration is politicizing federal law enforcement. However, Trump’s supporters argue that his actions are necessary to “restore justice” after what they call years of politically motivated investigations during his first term.
“President Trump is cleaning up a system that’s been biased against conservatives for decades,” said a campaign spokesperson. “He’s enforcing the law fairly, not targeting anyone unjustly.”
Institutional Integrity at Stake
The U.S. Department of Justice has traditionally operated with strict independence from the White House, but the current administration’s approach has reignited debate over whether those boundaries are eroding. Legal scholars warn that if public perception continues to shift toward viewing the justice system as a political tool, it could weaken democratic norms for years to come.
As political polarization grows, both parties are framing the issue to their advantage. Democrats emphasize the threat to democracy, while Republicans portray Trump’s actions as a correction to what they view as years of bias against their movement.
Public Trust and Future Implications
The survey results point to a country struggling to reconcile partisanship with principles of fairness and justice. With a presidential election season approaching, analysts say the issue of “weaponized government” will likely dominate national discourse, influencing voter sentiment and shaping both campaign strategies and media narratives.
For now, one thing is clear: a majority of Americans believe that politics and justice have become dangerously intertwined, and many fear that the country’s divisions are only deepening.
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