A recent straw poll conducted at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest shed light on the opinions of a distinctly conservative audience regarding members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet. The results provide a snapshot of which cabinet members resonate strongly with attendees and those who fall short.
The standout figure was Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who garnered a remarkable approval rating. An impressive 83.3% of attendees reported they strongly approve of Hegseth, leading to an overall approval figure of 94.7%. His assertive initiatives, such as renaming the Department of Defense and targeting cartel operations, have made him a notable presence in the administration. As one observer stated, “Hegseth’s vocal stance and decisive actions resonate with those seeking a strong military posture.”
Other cabinet members also received high marks, albeit not as overwhelmingly as Hegseth. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. were well-received, with approvals of 76.6% and 80.8%, respectively. Kennedy’s strong overall approval comes as no surprise, as 96.8% of respondents indicated they either strongly or somewhat approve of his performance. This indicates a solid base of support for him among conference attendees.
On the flip side, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced significant disapproval, with 13.4% of attendees stating they strongly disapprove of her. Yet, despite this negative sentiment, 64.8% overall still expressed approval of her role in the Trump administration. This juxtaposition illustrates the complexities within the audience’s perceptions and highlights how varied opinions can coexist regarding individual cabinet members’ performance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also showed remarkable popularity, achieving a 90.1% approval rating. Noem’s reputation for taking a firm stand on border security and deportations resonates with the conference’s priorities. As the poll indicates, securing the border was deemed the most significant achievement of the Trump administration among attendees, with nearly 60% citing it as a top accomplishment.
While Hegseth and Noem lead in popularity, other cabinet members like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy received solid ratings in the eighties. Interestingly, some cabinet positions were met with uncertainty. A range of between 28% and 39% of conference attendees expressed “unsure” regarding the performance of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collin. This uncertainty suggests a lack of visibility or impact from these figures within the current political landscape.
The poll further delved into attendees’ preferences for the upcoming 2028 Republican presidential nominee. Vice President JD Vance emerged as a clear favorite, receiving 84.2% of the votes. This overwhelming support marks a significant indication of where grassroots sentiment lies, far outpacing Rubio and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who received just 4.8% and 2.9%, respectively.
Responding to pressing concerns, nearly two-thirds of attendees identified winning the midterms as the primary focus for the conservative movement, reflecting a strategic approach to maintaining control in Congress. Voter integrity was acknowledged as a secondary priority, emphasizing the audience’s commitment to election security.
When asked about the most pressing threats facing America, respondents highlighted “radical Islam” as the foremost concern, with socialism and mass migration closely following. This pattern mirrors ongoing national debates about immigration and economic issues. Notably, a strong 89.5% of respondents expressed support for a moratorium on new immigration into the U.S., showcasing a clear desire among this audience for stricter immigration policies.
In summary, the poll from AmericaFest provides valuable insights into the preferences and opinions of a dedicated conservative audience. The popularity of certain cabinet members like Hegseth and Noem, alongside the mixed reception of others, paints a nuanced picture of the political landscape. The findings around future candidate preferences and concerns about national security highlight the priorities of the grassroots movement and its determination to shape the Republican agenda moving forward.
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