WASHINGTON — A significant majority of Utah voters express support for government spending cuts, coinciding with the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to streamline operations. Recent polling conducted by HarrisX for the Deseret News reveals that nearly 80% of Utah residents favor reducing the size and scope of the federal government. This strong sentiment is predominantly held by Republicans, with an impressive 91% expressing support compared to a mere 9% opposition. Notably, Democratic voters demonstrate a more divided opinion, with 47% advocating for government downsizing while 53% maintain support for maintaining or increasing spending. Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) commission has championed spending cuts, projecting billions in potential savings for the government. Congress is currently navigating the process of approving these cuts, though lawmakers across the political spectrum grapple with the specifics of what’s being targeted. A majority of Utahns – 60% – believe DOGE has been effective in identifying wasteful spending, contrasting with 40% who perceive it as less successful. This perception is sharply divided along party lines, with 80% of Republicans viewing DOGE as effective, while only 29% of Democrats share this opinion. Conversely, 71% of Democrats consider DOGE ineffective, compared to just 20% of Republicans who agree with this assessment. Despite the proposed cuts, a substantial portion of Utah voters – 67% – report not knowing anyone personally who has lost their job as a direct result of the DOGE initiatives. A smaller percentage – 12% – indicate a close friend has experienced job loss, 8% report a family member’s job termination, and another 17% cite an acquaintance as being affected. This poll, conducted between May 16th and 21st among 805 registered voters in Utah, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The proposed spending cuts are currently moving through Congress, with the House recently approving a $9.4 billion rescissions package targeting foreign aid and federal funding for organizations the Trump administration deems anti-conservative. This package faced universal opposition from Democrats and resistance from a small group of Republicans. However, the initiative reflects a broader desire among Trump allies to solidify the cuts identified by DOGE as instances of ‘waste, fraud, and abuse,’ aiming for rapid implementation. These recent sentiments stand in contrast to Deseret News polling conducted last month, which revealed Utah voters’ belief that the federal government should increase spending in various sectors, with foreign funding being a notable exception. The ongoing debate highlights a significant divergence in opinion regarding government efficiency and resource allocation within the state of Utah and potentially across the nation. Understanding these differing viewpoints is crucial for assessing the future direction of government spending and its impact on citizens and the economy. Further research into the specific justifications behind the proposed cuts and the potential long-term consequences is warranted to ensure informed decision-making and responsible governance. The complexities surrounding federal spending necessitate careful consideration of both economic and social factors, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and public engagement throughout the process.