POLL: The Majority of Voters are Fearful of the Government Spying On Them
Jose Nino
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A majority of voters are worried that the United States government is spying on them. These voters actually fear US espionage more than espionage activities conducted by foreign actors.
According to a Rasmussen poll, 74% of likely US voters are worried that the US government is spying on American citizens, which includes 49% who are very concerned with this prospect. Just 25% aren’t worried about domestic surveillance. 82% of voters are worried about foreign governments spying on the US, which includes 52% who are very concerned. 17% aren’t worried about foreign espionage.
Republican voters are most worried about both foreign and domestic surveillance. 67% of Republican voters, 40% of Democrat voters, and 49% of independent voters with both parties are very concerned about foreign governments spying on the US. 70% of Republican voters, 28% of Democrat voters, and 50% of independent voters are very concerned about the US government snooping on American citizens.
Voters ages 65 and older are most likely to be very concerned about foreign governments spying on the US. However, on the question of the US government spying on American citizens, 81% of voters under the age of 40 are at least somewhat concerned, compared to 72% of voters in the age range of 40-64 and 68% of voters 65 and older.
84% of white voters, 82% of black voters, and 74% of other non-black minorities are at least somewhat concerned about foreign governments spying on the US.
When it comes to income earners, Americans making over $200,000 annually are the least likely to be very concerned about the US government snooping on American citizens and more likely to trust Democrats to tackle national security issues. Voters making between $30,000 and $50,000 annually are the most likely to be worried about domestic surveillance.
Americans have every reason to be distrustful of the domestic surveillance state. It’s a pernicious actor that works to undermine the basic freedoms of Americans. To truly restore freedoms and trust in American institutions, policymakers should make it a point to reduce the surveillance state’s influence.
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