Americans are increasingly skeptical of President Donald Trump’s legal campaign against his political opponents, viewing it as politically motivated retribution rather than legitimate justice, according to recent polling data. This perception highlights a significant challenge for Trump as he navigates both his own legal battles and the public’s growing distrust of his administration’s actions.
As President Trump intensifies efforts to prosecute figures like former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, legal proceedings are advancing amid internal resistance. Motions are being filed in Comey’s case, James is scheduled for arraignment in Virginia, and Trump-linked officials are pushing for an indictment against Schiff over alleged mortgage fraud, despite prosecutors’ hesitations. Trump has declined to comment directly on the Schiff case, adding to the controversy surrounding these actions.
Recent polls reveal that a majority of Americans see Trump’s legal moves as unjustified and politically driven. A Quinnipiac University poll shows 52% of voters believe Trump is using the Justice Department to file unfounded charges against his opponents, with independents agreeing by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. Similarly, a Reuters-Ipsos poll indicates 55% of Americans think Trump is deploying federal law enforcement to target his enemies, a view shared by 29% of Republicans, underscoring the breadth of public concern.
The public distinguishes these retaliatory actions from the indictments against Trump himself, which are generally viewed as more serious and legitimate. Surveys, including a Marist College poll and a CNN poll, show that Americans see the cases against Trump as fair and based on credible evidence, rather than as “witch hunts.” For instance, a Public Religion Research Institute poll found 58% believe there is credible evidence Trump committed serious federal crimes, contrasting sharply with the skepticism toward the charges he is orchestrating.
Context from the Pew Research Center reinforces this trend, with 62% of Americans agreeing that Trump is probably improperly encouraging investigations of his political foes. This sentiment has been building since Trump removed a U.S. attorney who resisted bringing charges and publicly called for actions against Comey and James. The timing of these events, coinciding with poll periods, suggests a direct link between Trump’s behavior and public perception.
This skepticism poses a political problem for Trump, potentially undermining his claims of victimhood and eroding support as he moves forward with his agenda. The numbers indicate that Americans recognize a distinction between legitimate legal accountability and abuse of power, which could impact Trump’s standing with voters. Even as he manages his own ongoing cases, the public’s view of his retaliatory tactics may influence future electoral outcomes and political discourse.
Looking ahead, key developments like James’s arraignment and the ongoing Schiff investigation will test institutional integrity and public trust. The political divide over the justice system’s credibility is likely to shape the 2026 election cycle, with broader implications for civil rights, environmental enforcement, and democratic norms. The erosion of confidence in legal institutions could hinder long-term policy efforts, emphasizing the need for stability and rule of law.