poll reveals that the vast majority of Americans—81%—believe the Trump administration must comply with federal court rulings, particularly when a court deems its actions illegal. The results highlight growing public concern over the administration’s approach to the judicial branch, especially amid a series of high-profile legal battles.
The nationwide poll, conducted between May 30 and June 10, surveyed 19,410 adults and carries a margin of error of ±2.1 percentage points.
Public Consensus on Rule of Law
According to the findings, only 19% of respondents believe that the Trump administration can ignore federal court rulings. Support for judicial compliance transcends political lines, although among self-identified Trump supporters, the opinion is evenly split—50% in favor of obeying the courts and 50% against.
The survey comes amid a wave of legal challenges against the administration’s actions since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term on January 20. Over 250 court cases have been filed, leading to at least 25 nationwide injunctions that temporarily halted executive orders or policies, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Rising Tensions Between Trump and the Judiciary
In response to the legal pushback, Trump and his allies have intensified their criticism of the courts, launching a pressure campaign that includes verbal attacks, calls for judicial impeachment, and even criminal charges against judges. On April 25, federal authorities charged a judge in Wisconsin with allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement, further escalating tensions.
In one notable case, the Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate the return of a Maryland resident who had been wrongly deported to El Salvador. Despite the court’s ruling, officials delayed his return for nearly two months, highlighting ongoing resistance to judicial oversight.
Mixed Views on the Supreme Court
The poll also gauged public sentiment toward the Supreme Court itself. It found that 55% of Americans hold a strongly favorable or somewhat favorable view of the Court, while 45% express strongly unfavorable or somewhat unfavorable opinions. These numbers underscore a nation divided not only by politics but also in perceptions of the judicial system’s legitimacy and independence.
Legal Pressure Builds Ahead of 2025 Political Season
As the Trump administration continues to advance an ambitious agenda—often through executive action—its confrontations with the judiciary are likely to remain in the spotlight. The poll’s findings suggest that, despite deepening political polarization, a strong majority of Americans still support adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.
With legal challenges mounting and public opinion favoring compliance, the administration may face increasing scrutiny over its handling of federal court rulings in the months ahead.
