The federal government should not control research topics at universities
Democrats87%
Republicans62%
Independents76%
Source: The Economist/YouGov, Aug. 19, 2025
Chart: Americans Agree
Chart: Americans Agree
University Research Topics
The Economist/YouGov, Aug. 19, 2025
Details
| Question | Do you think the federal government should or should not control the following at universities? |
| Item | Research topics |
| Response | Should not control |
| Poll Main Page | A new high for Trump disapproval, Democrats' House vote lead, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and universities |
| Interview Period | Aug. 15, 2025 to Aug. 18, 2025 |
| Sample Size | 1,568 |
| Policy Context | When this poll was conducted in August 2025, the Trump administration had issued an executive order for political appointees to review federally funded university research grants. This would be a break from normal practice, where civil servants and independent reviewed grants. |