Attitudes Toward Political Leaders, Free Expression, and Health-Related Beliefs

October 2, 2025

This week, we surveyed U.S. residents on various political topics.

Highlights include…

Political Identity and Voting Patterns

When asked who they would vote for in the 2028 presidential election: among decided voters, 48% support the Democratic candidate, 46% the Republican candidate, and 6% someone else.

Within their party, Republicans strongly back J.D. Vance (50%) as their presidential candidate, while Democrats are split between Kamala Harris (24%) and Gavin Newsom (19%) as potential candidates for their party.

Perception and Approval of Trump and JD Vance

Donald Trump’s public image continues to be negative overall. At present, 38% of Americans view him favorably compared to 49% who hold an unfavorable opinion. His job performance numbers mirror this trend, with 38% approving of his presidency while half of respondents disapprove.

J.D. Vance remains considerably less defined in the public eye: 34% express a favorable view, 40% hold an unfavorable impression, and a significant share of Americans (21%) say they do not yet know enough about him.

 Free Expression and Health-Related Beliefs

Americans overwhelmingly reject the idea that the government should be able to restrict speech critical of its views, with nearly eight in ten (79%) opposed and only 9% in favor of restricting it, a proportion that is higher among respondents who identify as republicans (13%).

Public opinion is more divided regarding the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the host’s comments on Charlie Kirk’s death: 41% view the decision as an infringement on free speech, while 29% consider it a reasonable response under the circumstances. Respondents identifying as democrats are more likely to see the suspension as an infringement on free speech (67%).

When it comes to health-related beliefs, about one in five Americans (18%) think that taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in children, a view more common among Republicans (26%), adults aged 35 to 54 (23%), and men (22%). In contrast, nearly half of respondents (47%) reject this claim, while more than a third (35%) remain unsure.

Related Posts

Leger x WIN: The State of Mental Health in 2025

Leger is proud to be a part of the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN), an organization of different market researchers around the world that develops quality insights around the world. Multiple times a year, all WIN members conduct research on...

Leger x WIN: World Relaxation Day

Leger is proud to be a part of the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN), an organization of different market researchers around the world that develops quality insights around the world. Multiple times a year, all WIN members conduct research on...

Leger X WIN: World Nutrition Day

Leger is proud to be a part of the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN), an organization of different market researchers around the world that develops quality insights around the world. Multiple times a year, all WIN members conduct research on...

Get the latest in your inbox

Stay up to date on cutting-edge research, news and more.