The latest Winthrop Poll has revealed a stark division in public opinion among South Carolinians on a range of political figures and issues. The survey data indicates a near split in feelings toward the current President, with 44% expressing positive sentiments and 43% holding negative views.
The poll also gauged opinions on other prominent individuals. Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk elicits negative feelings from 45% of respondents, while 35% view him positively.
A significant partisan divide is evident regarding the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
The survey highlights deep-seated partisan perceptions of the two major political parties. A strong majority of Republicans (81%) believe the phrase “too extreme in its positions” accurately describes the Democratic Party, while a nearly identical percentage of Democrats (82%) hold the same view of the Republican Party.
Further analysis of descriptive phrases associated with each party reveals interesting trends among South Carolinians. The phrases “respectful and tolerant of different types of people” and “supports policies that interfere too much in people’s lives” are more commonly linked to the Democratic Party. Conversely, the phrases “governs in an honest and ethical way,” “is good at getting their way,” “is willing to do what it takes to win elections,” and “will not compromise to achieve their goals” are more frequently associated with the Republican Party.
General Population Survey Findings:
The Winthrop Poll also explored opinions on several key policy issues among the general population of South Carolina:
- Transgender Athletes: 71% favor or strongly favor laws requiring transgender athletes to compete on teams aligning with their sex assigned at birth.
- Transgender Discrimination Protection: 62% favor or strongly favor laws protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public spaces.
- Transgender Bathroom Access: 56% favor or strongly favor laws requiring transgender individuals to use public bathrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth.
- Gender Transition Care for Minors: 55% favor or strongly favor laws prohibiting healthcare professionals from providing gender transition medical care to individuals under 18.
- Elementary School Gender Identity Education: 50% favor or strongly favor laws making it illegal for public elementary schools to teach about gender identity.
- Insurance Coverage for Gender Transition Care: 50% oppose or strongly oppose laws requiring health insurance companies to cover medical care for gender transitions.
Opinions on other entities and programs include:
- Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): 37% positive, 32% negative, 19% neutral.
- DEI Programs: 39% positive, 29% negative, 23% neutral.
- Federal Government Employees: 42% positive, 20% negative, 33% neither.
When asked about the most serious issues facing the nation, Republicans identified illegal immigration as the top concern, while Democrats prioritized the country not doing enough to care for the poor.
Overall, 47% of South Carolinians believe the nation is on the wrong track, while a slightly smaller percentage, 44%, feel the state of South Carolina is headed in the right direction.
The approval ratings among all survey respondents for key political figures are as follows: President Donald Trump (44%), Governor Henry McMaster (43%), Senator Tim Scott (41%), and Senator Lindsey Graham (35%).
The Winthrop Poll provides a snapshot of the complex and often divided opinions held by South Carolinians on a range of pressing political and social issues.
To view the poll, commentary and methodology, click here.
