**Trump's Incoming Administration Receives Mixed Reactions, Public Shows Optimism**

Donald Trump’s impending administration is being met with a range of reactions from the public, with a notable majority expressing contentment or satisfaction with his election win and a sense of optimism about his future policies. While his handling of the presidential transition has garnered approval from many Americans, it has received near-universal praise from his own voters. Furthermore, there is a positive reception towards his Cabinet selections, particularly Senator Marco Rubio as the prospective Secretary of State.

Economic concerns, which played a significant role in the election, continue to be a focal point. Many Americans hope that the new administration will reduce prices for food and groceries. This sentiment aligns with the views of Trump’s voter base, who predominantly believe that the administration will take effective steps to manage inflation. The election has notably buoyed the economic outlook among Republicans, who are now more optimistic about the country's financial future compared to 2016.

However, the mood is starkly different among Democrats. More Democrats now feel apprehensive about Trump’s presidency, fearing potential threats to their rights and freedoms. Despite this, there's a noticeable sense of exhaustion within the Democratic base, with fewer individuals feeling motivated to actively oppose Trump. Nevertheless, there is consensus across party lines on the importance of a smooth transition and cooperation between the Biden and Trump administrations, particularly on shared issues.

Americans generally approve of Trump’s Cabinet picks, with most voters favoring candidates who are forthright and experienced in their respective fields. Republicans also prioritize loyalty to Trump as a key trait for his appointees. Interestingly, a substantial portion of Republicans and Trump voters believe that Elon Musk should have some influence within the Trump administration, though opinions on this are divided along partisan lines.

Regarding legislative proceedings, a significant majority of Americans—and a modest majority of Republicans—support Senate hearings for Trump’s nominees, favoring the traditional process of Senate advice and consent as stipulated in the Constitution. There is also a growing sentiment among Trump’s voters and Republicans for the president to wield more power in his new term than he did previously.

On the issue of tariffs, most Trump voters support their implementation, believing it will not lead to higher prices or considering it a tolerable cost. Conversely, the broader public, which opposes tariffs, associates them with potential price increases. Similarly, there is majority approval for a new mass deportation program, provided it is carried out by law enforcement or existing immigration agencies, rather than the military.

The 2024 election outcome has altered Republican perceptions of U.S. democracy, with a newfound confidence and decreased suspicion of electoral fraud compared to the 2020 election. While confidence in democracy and rule of law has risen among Republicans, most Americans remain skeptical. Future outlooks have also shifted; Republicans now feel that America’s best days lie ahead, contrasting with their pre-election beliefs, while Democrats’ optimism for the future has waned.

This CBS News/YouGov survey sampled 2,232 U.S. adults between November 19-22, 2024. The sample, weighted to accurately represent the population, has a margin of error of ±2.3 points.