Trump’s Most Popular Executive Orders So Far: Transparency, Culture Wars and Immigration Crackdowns

President Trump’s administration has wasted no time in their first days in power, implementing a record number of executive orders in a bid to bring radical change for the US population. While some orders have sparked controversy, others have found strong public backing, symbolising the polarising nature of his governance. Our latest poll identifies the three most widely supported executive orders: the declassification of MLK and JFK assassination files, restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors and a freeze on refugee admissions. These orders highlight Trump’s appeal to his conservative base and his continued focus on national security and social policies.

1\. Declassifying MLK and JFK Files

Trump’s most popular executive order was his directive to release thousands of classified documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.. The move received 61% overall approval, with 36% strongly supporting it. The decision appears to tap into public demand for government transparency and historical clarity, particularly regarding some of the most significant political assassinations in U.S. history.

Support for this order is bipartisan, with 60% of Trump voters and 39% of Harris voters backing it, suggesting that even many Democrats appreciate increased transparency in government records, however the majority of Democrats (44%) disapproved overall. Older voters, who may have lived through these historical moments, also showed strong backing (65% of over 65s), while younger Americans were slightly more divided. However, 16% of respondents strongly disapprove, indicating that some believe national security concerns or the handling of classified information should take precedence.

The broad support for this order reflects a rare moment of political unity, with both conservative and liberal voters agreeing on the importance of historical truth and accountability.  Given past controversies surrounding these events, including conspiracy theories and government secrecy, the order may also serve to reinforce public trust in institutions, an area where American confidence has waned in recent years.

2\. Restricting Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The second-most supported executive order, which bans gender-affirming medical treatments for individuals under 19, received 59% overall approval, with 41% strongly approving. Alongside this, Trump also signed orders recognising only two genders and scrapped Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) policies, reflecting his broad alignment with conservative values and strategy to engage with cultural debates on gender and identity.

Republicans overwhelmingly back the measure, with 70% of Trump voters in favour, compared to only 30% of Harris voters. Gender and age also play a role in the divide: men (46%) are more likely than women (36%) to strongly approve, while younger voters aged 18-24 are the most opposed, with 43% disapproving. However, the majority of 18-24 year olds (51%) approve of this order which shows that for this policy, Trump is aware of what the younger demographics want.

While proponents argue that minors should not make irreversible medical decisions, opponents see the move as government overreach into personal healthcare choices. With ongoing legal battles over similar state-level policies, Trump’s federal order will likely face significant legal challenges from advocacy groups and medical organisations.

3\. Freezing Refugee Admissions

Since taking office, Trump has stood by his stance on immigration, moving forward with over 20 orders to change the U.S. immigration system. Trump’s third-most supported executive order is a freeze on refugee admissions, allowing only case-by-case exceptions deemed in the “national interest”. This move was supported by 58% of respondents, with 33% strongly approving.

The order is particularly popular among Trump’s base, with 60% of his voters strongly approving, while only 9% of Harris voters feel the same. The divide is also evident across age groups: younger Americans (18-24) are the least supportive (22%), whereas older voters (45-64) are the most in favour (37%).

Immigration remains one of the most contentious issues in American politics and remains a priority for Trump. Critics argue that such a freeze don refugee admissions disproportionately affects vulnerable populations fleeing war and persecution, while supporters claim it prioritises national security and economic stability.

Trump’s most popular executive orders reflect his administration’s focus on government transparency, cultural conservatism and immigration restrictions. The declassification of MLK and JFK files stands out as a rare bipartisan win, signaling broad public demand for historical clarity. Meanwhile, the ban on gender-affirming care for minors and refugee freeze showcase deep political divisions, with Trump’s base strongly in favour while younger and Democratic voters push back. These executive actions demonstrate Trump’s continued commitment to his core voters, focusing on policies that galvanize conservatives. As his second term unfolds, these orders will likely shape national debates and legal battles, reinforcing the polarisation that has defined American politics in recent years.

Download the data tables for this poll.