Federal funding for scientific research done by American universities should increase or stay the same
Democrats89%
Republicans56%
Independents67%
Source: The Economist/YouGov, Aug. 19, 2025
Chart: Americans Agree
Chart: Americans Agree
University Research Funding Levels
The Economist/YouGov, Aug. 19, 2025
Details
| Question | Do you think federal funding for scientific research done by American universities should...? |
| Response | Increase or stay the same |
| 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 for the previous several months been freezing or cutting billions of dollars in scientific research grants at elite universities. The administration was doing so in protest of the universities’ other activities in areas like student protests (especially pro‑Palestinian demonstrations); diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; and transgender policies. |