Despite deep national divisions, Tennessee’s registered voters largely agree on one thing: strong support for core federal programs. According to the latest Vanderbilt University statewide poll, conducted April 17–27 among 1,223 registered voters, overwhelming bipartisan majorities oppose cuts to Social Security (94%), Medicare (97%), Medicaid (89%), and veterans’ health care (94%).
“This poll reminds us that even in polarized times, there are areas of strong consensus,” said John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. “Support for these programs spans Democrats, Independents, and MAGA Republicans.”
While fewer voters oppose cuts to national parks (68%) and research funding (66–73%), support still remains high. The most variation appeared in opposition to cuts in university research, where only 35% of MAGA Republicans opposed cuts compared to 92% of Democrats.
Economic anxiety also looms large. Sixty-one percent of voters said the national economy is “fairly” or “very bad,” while views on the state economy were more optimistic, with 61% calling it “good.” However, 85% said the cost of living is expensive, and 67% expect it to rise. Most voters (61%) worry about paying for emergencies, and 64% are concerned about retirement or education savings.
These worries have grown since the pandemic. Compared to spring 2020, concern about emergency savings is up 17 points, while concern about retirement savings is up 19 points.
On tariffs, Tennessee voters are split. While 46% support former President Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on foreign goods, 53% oppose it—up 11 points since December 2024. Republican support remains strong, especially among MAGA Republicans (88%).
Partisan divides were especially sharp on immigration. A majority (51%) support deporting migrants without criminal records, while 73% support deportation of those with criminal histories. Yet, 57% oppose searching K-12 schools to find undocumented immigrants, and 50% oppose searching places of worship. Support for searches rose when considering colleges, with 47% in favor.
Views on global issues show some alignment. Seventy-two percent oppose withdrawing from NATO, including nearly all Democrats (96%), while just 39% of MAGA Republicans agreed. Most Tennesseans reject the idea that Russia is a better ally than Europe, with 86% disagreeing.
On state matters, 89% support cutting Tennessee’s sales tax on groceries. But school voucher legislation—allowing public funds for private school tuition—saw limited interest: just 8% of public school parents plan to use vouchers, while 34% of private school parents said they would apply.
Fifty-five percent of voters oppose a bill that would bar children from public school if their parents are undocumented, with nearly half “strongly opposed.”
When it comes to democracy, 54% of Tennesseans believe it is “under attack,” though that number is down from spring 2024. Only 15% now say democracy “isn’t in danger,” up 10 points from last year.
One controversial question asked whether Trump should be allowed to ignore federal court rulings to reshape the government. While 72% disagreed, 27% supported the idea—including 62% of MAGA Republicans and 29% of non-MAGA Republicans. Only 2% of Democrats agreed.
“While there is unified Republican support for Trump generally, we continue to see meaningful splits between MAGA and traditional Republicans—especially on the role of presidential power,” said Geer.
Approval ratings for public officials remain mixed. Congress’s approval stands at 36%—low overall but the highest since 2011. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee maintains net-positive approval, though his numbers are the lowest for a governor since the poll began, likely due to heightened partisanship.
The poll captures views from all registered voters in Tennessee, regardless of their likelihood to vote. If only those who voted in 2024 are considered, Republican approval ratings rise notably.
