Poll Results and Comments : Trump vs Zelensky and DOGE Insights

Author

Anna Eisenberg
February 20, 2025

Anna's Daybreak News

Just facts, you think for yourself

How do you generally feel about government spending?


  • 75% Too high—needs major cuts
  • 18% About right—some waste, but necessary
  • 7% Too low—needs more funding for key areas

EmailComments
chri...Zero base budgeting!
jodu...Of course it is too high, but you don't fix it like they're doing it. No department should consistently fail budget audits. That slash and burn show currently happening in DC is just for show and will result in more expense to fix the damage they have done.
spet...The pilot Ian’s who are fear mongering should pay attention to all the waste they are finding. There is little oversight in government spending and it is out of control leaving our grandkids to suffer with all the debt we leave behind.
char...A certain percentage of waste is guaranteed and I have no doubt that many changes need to be made. Many of the accusations made by DOGE need to be vetted (they lack context and evidence/documentation and the agency has made many errors that in its very short existence that has resulted in decreased safety, fatalities, labor violations, and is led by a man whose private businesses have been plagued by serious safety, labor, and discrimination issues.). A decrease in waste requires having adequate staff levels to ensure checks and balances and audits are able to occur regularly.
rsta...Everyone's hedge needs trimming and contouring to maximize efficiency.
kevi...Everyone knows waste will happen. People's own budgets have waste daily. Did you need to door dash that burrito rather than make a lunch? Do you need 20 streaming services? But the 2 most wasteful programs are corporate subsidies and military. Yet those are the 2 not being touched or even mentioned. The military failed its 7th audit in a row not accounting for 63% of its $4 TRILLION, with a T, of assets. $2.52 TRILLION wasted. Not a peep. Yet we want to attack HIV research for kids and say it's for condoms for Hamas or kids lunches in schools which in comparison is worried about the loose change in your car after its totaled. We spend $100 billion to corporate subsidies a year. Subsidies that picks winners, hurts competition, with zero kickback to taxpayers. There is a reason why they (corporations and those in Musk's circle) want to privatize everything. Some who are deep in the kool-aid may cheer this on, but its only a matter of time until you see the full horror of this approach and its affects. This is a raid, not an efficiency audit. There is a reason why Musk isn't looking into his government handouts. His companies receive $8 million dollars a day from the government. Tesla, for instance pays $0 ZERO into the system getting these handouts. Yet do we need armored EVs? Is he attacking this waste? Hmmm, I wonder why...
nick...All the wasted money could have gone to improve our infrastructure. It’s a shame and needs to be stopped.
lnse...The reporting on this is misleading. $1,300 “Coffee cups” was actually Keurig cups, was it not? I can see my workplace of 100 people spending that (if not more) on coffee supplies This is why I have unsubscribed.
cb10...Cannot trust musk and trump to do this right - doge. There needs to be cuts, but not from the bottom. Start at the top. Professional auditors and accountants need to do this. Downsizing takes time and expertise. What's going on now with doge is a joke and a danger to the running of our country.
heat...We could cut our military budget in 1/2 and still spend more than the next highest country's military budget.
feli...Government has become too fat.
rgar...The major cuts that need to be made is the elimination of waste and fraud. Where our tax money goes is crazy/insane. Who in their right mind could object to the DOGE audit and creating accountability for what our money is spent on and where it goes.
mari...It needs major cuts in Department of Defense and new solutions that continue services but reduce the costs of Medicaid and Medicare.
zack...Love that majority agrees with the cuts Trump Admin is doing (Another 80/20 issue) This could possibly mean that normal Americans do not believe the propaganda pushed my MSM any longer. There is hope for US!
yvet...Unbelievable wasteful spending. About time it was stopped.
jenn...The waste is shameful. Too many people don't realize that "Government" money comes right out of our own pockets.
wetm...The approach being taken in DoD ("make your own cuts") is the best approach for all agencies.
wrwa...There has always been waste. The American people know it, but the average person can’t do a thing about it. That’s the reason there is so much mistrust of the government.
jton...The report on excess spending is probably a lie like everything else out of Elon Musk’s mouth. He will say and do anything to get the big tax cut Trump wants. If he breaks the law, as he appears to be doing Trump will pardon him. The Supreme Court’s immunizing Trump from legal accountability underlies all of this.
scot...It's about time to fix this. I have been hearing things like paying $149,072 for a soap dispenser for over 40 years. That happens due to ridiculous red tape rules. Some simple changes can fix wasteful spending like that.
vick...Key programs and services need to be maintained and may need more funding, but all agencies need to be audited and monitored. Enormous amounts of wasteful and unaccountable spending of tax payers money.
rake...When it’s not their money they feel they have to use up their budget every year and sometimes pay outrageous prices
hunt...Politicians need to be arrested and prosecuted for frivolous spending of taxpayer funds. Government accountability has gone unchecked for too long.
tmj6...Obviously waste needs to be found and eliminated but just blowing up vital programs is not the answer. Also, Musk has a major credibility problem, as does his co-President, Trump
pvol...Cut out the fraud, un-necessary expenditures, and bloated personnel. Run it like a corporation rather than an unaccountable company that keeps printing money to cover the excesses.
mori...Musks " discoveries" of fraud and waste are generally found out after to be either misinterpreted or plain wrong. While govt can always reign in, his exercise is more a PR stunt than finding waste.
jaym...About time leadership takes control
lain...It’s hard to fathom how much of OUR money is being wasted and given to other countries! It infuriates me! Trump is the ONLY president who is doing something about the fraud, misappropriation of money and is being criticized. Really, people? Other presidents have said they would do something about it but never had to guts to dig deep! I applaud Trump! Am so tired of hearing people whining about what is being done. This needs to happen!! Taxpayers deserve transparency and for our hard earned money to be spent wisely by the government so KUDOS to Elon and Trump!! God bless them and God bless America!
mgre...These DOGE numbers being true is questionable. I don’t trust anything about the current administration. however there’s always been tremendous waste with our government. I wish this was true that they were making legitimate meaningful cuts.
leah...Way too much waste!
mary...This will end in tears.
mczi...However, thoughtful cuts. And don’t cut all the programs to turn around and spend them on space and military
dbmj...I really can't determine if there is any abuse in the governments spending habits. Although, I totally disagree with Elon Musk and unelected officials looking into the government's financial matters. The actions of the current establishment is looking very close to an authoritarian run government that's defying the basis of our Constitution, and has no respect for the law. Congress, the legislative and Judicial branches should be in control of these matters, along with an elected oversight committee.
nmed...Doge was a good idea. Time has finally come
josh...We need more investment in education and research to stay competitive with China. We can reduce defense spending. To pay for this we should increase taxes on the wealthy (I am one of those wealthy people). The wealthy benefit the most from our wonderful country and it is only fair that we pay for it.
jmbe...It has already been demonstrated that DOGE's reported "savings" are inaccurate and grossly inflated. Yes, there is enormous waste in the Defense Department, but neither Pete Hegseth nor Elon Musk is likely to reduce it significantly. Musk has shown that he is as big a liar as Trump is. (Well almost: Trump and Putin are in a class by themselves.) Their sole purpose is to reduce taxes and regulatory controls on the super rich.
mich...Starts and ends with procurement. All of it is kickbacks.
bgca...How about a major freeze for a some years (or cuts) on Political, congressional, and government top officials salaries, expense accounts, and benefits which the working class Americans USA citizens carry on their backs!!!!!! I’m sure that would have a huge positive impact the deficit that has reached is than several trillion dollars. And all the corruption within the government is outrageous!!!!!
barr...I feel all these cuts are being orchestrated by Putin who in my opinion has won the Cold War, thanks to our submissive draft dogging President. I feel Putin has dirt on Trump and other Republicans.
cmck...Tump is killing middle class! Inflation is out of control ☠️
mike...Find the fraud and hold accountable, cut the waste, and overspending! Overhaul technology and make super efficient.
jj.j...Cut back on wasteful and fraudulent spending at taxpayers expense. We don't want bankruptcy!
lkrt...I am sure there are many opportunities to cut waste. I just don't trust that Musk has the best intentions and won't be self-serving. Nor do I think he understands the unintended consequences of not fully understanding the what, why, and how of the governmental budgets. I don't think 1,300 in coffee cups is where the waste is at. How is "luxury" defined? I have more questions.
derr...Way to much waste! I wish they would spend it carefully like it's they're own hard earned money instead of political play money.
bran...Military is by far the largest budget portion, and what with the most waste to be found and cut
twin...Come on!! Wasteful spending on soap dispensers? I dont think so!! We need more info on the waste they found!! I dont believe DOGE!! Blank statement on what they found is BS!!
char...It has been out of control for way too long. Any president could have accomplished campaign-promised goals and vet a team of forensic accountants in the first four years; in the next 4, government spending could have been attacked. Our politicians gain from the waste, whether directly or through their supporters. Too many votes are traded; there should only be one item on any legislation passed and it should be published [online+print] for citizens to see. All 'legislation" done in open on the floor. It would take more time, but hey, politicians are paid to be full-time...they should be there full-time, no long recesses. The conditions establishing those recesses no longer exist; take vacations days like the rest of us and miss a vote! And no secret backroom deals, so close the private rooms and offices and save on utilities, salaries for all the personal dalliances employed as aides/assistants.
lw63...well... I guess I am in the minority...
mich...But this slash and burn approach by the world's richest man appointment by trump as a reward for dining his campaign to the tune of millions is not the right way to reduce spending. Musk is wildly out of control just like his boss. Americans needs to wake up and see what is happening. It is undemocratic and is leading us all down the road to disaster while white house egos are massaged and pandemonium ensues.
sybi...Education and teacher salaries needs more funding
tere...The deceptive leading the ignorant towards fear and hatred. What a lovely country.
patr...Cuts should be surgical not with a sledgehammer as currently happening. Wouldn’t it have been better to give every department/agency 60-day notice to provide proposed cuts of waste?
quon...Trillions in debt says it all.
rach...Would love to see Defense significantly cut and Family Services / Tax Cuts increased significantly.
serg...The waste and corruption needs to be cut out
kelt...Long overdue
kris...Taxpayer dollars should be largely reallocated to increase funding in K-12 and technical education, resilient infrastructure programs, and healthcare programs targeting low-income Americans.
nanc...Yes there is money wasted and I agree there should be cuts but the way it is being done is wasteful itself. Torch & Burn does not feel right.
drde...Cannot tolerate nearly $2 trillion deficit spending in the budget. Common sense alone tells you that that is not to be tolerated.
keit...Wasteful spending in EVERY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT APPROVED BY BOTH PARTIES REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS. WHO APPROVED ALL OF THESE FUNDS TO BE SENT TO OTHER COUNTRIES? WHO APPROVED THE EXCESS PAYMENT CHARGES THAT OUR PENTEGON PAID CONTRACTORS FOR YEARS? WHO APPROVED THESE INVOICES TO BE PAID AT THE PENTEGON? NAMES AND HOW MANY YEARS DID THEY OVER PAY VENDORS, WHOMEVER PAID ALL OF THE VENDOR INVOICES NEEDS TO BE CHARGED WITH THE FEDERAL RICO STATUE WHICH MEANS IF CONVICTED ALL OF THE PEOPLE INVOLVED WOULD LOSE ALL ASSETS PURCHASED WITH ANY KICKBACKS THEY WOULD HAVE RECEIVED BY PAYING IN EXCESS TO PENTEGON CONTRACTORS,
fcse...Inspectors general could continue monitoring spending. There are few areas that can be cut without major disruption. Lower taxes that benefit the wealthy should not passed.
amuk...Unchecked spending by feds is a big issue
clee...Please continue to drain the swamp from the liberals and expose expose expose expose!!!! Thank you Elon!!!!
path...were spending money we done have!
bett...It's like my garage letting things pile up.
morg...It’s not so much that there’s too much fundings, it’s that there is no oversight or accountability around how funds are spent and where they go
perm...Wasteful spending does no one any good. The tax dollars of hard working citizens and documented (i.e. legal) immigrants as well as companies should not be wasted on the fanciful notions of politicians, bureaucrats or anyone else with their hands out. All monies to illegal (i.e. u documented) immigrants should be stopped. Legal and managed immigration is welcome to anyone who is properly vetted and wants to come to this country to work and contribute to improve their quality of life. That should be the only carrot offered, no other incentives.
pasc...The current cuts are being done haphazardly based on the amounts being sent without a deep look at the needs and benefits of these expenses. The numbers being cut look huge and it got to affect the population in general, especially when they are not being suggested by professionals in the areas.
tubi...govt spending has been ridiculous for decades, particularly military spending abroad.
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How do you generally feel about US aid to Ukraine?


  • 71% Support it—it’s necessary for Ukraine’s survival
  • 29% Oppose it—it’s too costly and risky

EmailComments
sam1...Trump is an uninformed moron
mich...Dumb Donnie’s a Putin Stooge.
zack...I do not support proxy wars conducted by the United States any longer. Learned my lesson under Bush. But Pretending that US DID NOT lead a coupe to over turn a free Ukraine election in 2014, which resulted in a civil war under Z democracy (15k deaths), pretending VP Biden didn’t commit treason in Ukraine with “they fired the son of a bi!ch”, VP Harris negotiated the start of this war, Boris did as well..pretending Z hasn’t jailed political opponents, canceled elections, taken complete control of Ukraine Media, outlawed certain religious, Ukraine “democracy” even jails people for speech. We have been force fed complete lies this entire war. AND now that an actual peacemaker is in office people are losing their minds. Pretending this isn’t factual only helps it happen again, the last 23 years have clearly shown this. We got scammed yet again by the War Machine.
scoo...It's not even a question. We promise support, we support democracy we should not stand next to Russian dictator who is 25 years as president and who killed all his opponents.
conr...Trump is not being a fair mediator in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. How can Trump even try to appear objective and fair when he (1) Meets with Russian representatives without Ukraine res present; (2) publically blames Ukraine for starting the war; and (3) calls Zekinskyy a dictator? And on top of all that, VP Vance and SECDEF Hegseth have made very public statements that Ukraine should not be allowed to join NATO; and that Ukraine retaining their territory is off the table. Can one really fault Lezinskyy for taking offense? Only Putin should be happy with this scenario.
tere...When friends are desperate and cannot survive without help, insults, threats and blackmail are easily given and a strong arm and nourishment withheld. Friendship abandoned. Leaders without honor
leah...We can’t afford their war.
rick...Enough $$$, To many life’s lost already!!! Time for Trump to broker peace and a deal between all three countries.
troy...Those that 'Support It' should donate.
jj.j...If you can't account for the benefits you've received, the aid to you is expiring.
vick...Europe and other countries need to assist them as well.
mary...Giving in to Russia, as the Trump administration seems intent on doing, is a mistake. It makes the world less safe.
serg...Ukraine must be supported 100% since they are the barrier to Russian expansion. The fall of Ukraine means eventual war in Europe
ljar...It's in our national interest to assist allies in defeating Russian aggression!
ejmi...It's not just Ukraine. If putin gets Ukraine he will continue to other European countries. Democracy is on the line. Don't believe award out of trumps mouth!
cjgr...The Ukranian people have suffered greatly during the past three years. Their leader is a courageous man and is not the dictator the dictator that Donald Trump accuses him of being. Russia needs to get out and stay out.
babs...We agreed to help these people and we should continue to support them.
abue...This was should have never started. Biden triggered this war for pure stupid reasons. The Americans lost so much of their tax dollars supporting a war that couldn’t be won!
cfpo...Important for the survival of Europe as well. Russia has no right to invade another country and must be held accountable.
jju3...If you can't track dollars given then it isn't being managed correctly and tax payer money shouldn't be given.
flyb...Trump’s playing his usual childish game of payback to Zelensky-probably threatened by a real man!
robs...The U.S. needs to first repay the $36.22 Trillion it owes its creditors or the U.S. will not be able to fund Social Security (Partial retirement savings for American retirees to live on) or Medicare (Healthcare for American's > 65). Furthermore, American's need to heed the following wake-up call from Trump & Musk (that even Eisenhower first warned us about in 1959): U.S. Taxpayers need to be allowed to discontinue defending Europe (& Israel & Saudi Arabia & Kuwait & UAE & Taiwan & South Korea & the next war ...), let alone former Cold War adversary Ukraine, with more than our fair share of defense spending. The US can no longer afford to keep the peace. The European countries are spending their defense budget on providing free healthcare to their citizens instead of defense since the U.S. taxpayers are paying for European defense. Essentially, U.S. taxpayers, who don't get free healthcare from the U.S. Gov't, are paying for the European's healthcare by covering the cost of European defense! Again, we will not be able to fund American's Social Security or Medicare (Healthcare for American's > 65) because we have been wasting Trillions of Dollars on shameful & wasteful government spending, while also perpetually giving away, with no end in sight, Trillions of Dollars via USAID and while paying far more than we should, and far more than Europeans do, on European defense ... for the past 80 years!!!!!!!! ... Make America Stop Being So Irresponsible and Collectively Foolish!
nanc...We need to support Ukraine to contain Putin
ehen...You quoted Trump without fact checking. We did not supply $350 billion to Ukraine. I was really hoping you would be a neutral source. You don't mention Trump's current lies that Ukraine started it, the fact that Russia and the US are negotiating without Ukraine or European allies, that Trump demanded half of Ukraine's resources, and that he plans to let Russia keep the 20% of Ukraine they've taken over with no concessions. If you are going to simply be a stenographer to inaccurate information, what good are you?
jenn...Na
yvet...This war would not have begun on Trump’s watch. Ukraine has no business joining NATO. This was in a treaty after WWII. This mess began with Clinton.
lw63...Why oh Why... did Trump get elected AGAIN??? Come on!!!
fmge...If we don't stand up for our allies resisting aggression, what do we stand for?
rumr...Trump's recent treatment of Zelensky is contemptible.
wrwa...Necessary evil… damned if we do damned if we don’t
cb10...Trump is a liar! How dare he say that Ukraine started this war! trump is ruining the relationships with our allies around the world. If we do not support Ukraine, putin will go after other countries and come after us.
jmbe...Trump is a liar, a bully, and a hypocrite. He is doing irreparable damage, every day he remains in office.
keit...WE HAVE ALREADY PAID THEM 350 BILLION AND THE WAR IS STILL ON GOING WITH RUSSIA. UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT SAID TODAY THAT TRUMP WAS A RUSSIAN PUPPET. WRONG WORDS USED BY HIM TO TRUMP! WE NEED TO DO AN AUDIT OF WHERE EVERY DOLLAR HAS BEEN SPENT TO DATE BY UKRAINE, AND UNTIL THE AUDIT IS DONE DO NOT PAY THEM ANY MORE MONEY. TRACE THE MONEY MADE TO UKRAINE AND ANY MONEY KICKIED BACK TO OUR SENATORS OR CONGRESSMEN IN BOTH PARTIES.
fcse...Ukraine was invaded by Russia. Its aggression against a neighboring state cannot be rewarded.
davi...Don’t appreciate your “facts” look more like normalization of Trump and propaganda to me. Just thinking for myself as you suggest.
bran...Most is inkind donations. Russia economy and Kremlin is about to break if Trump admin doesn't cave.
darb...Support was warranted, but now Z wants to sit at the big boy table with no cred. Need to tell Z not to take his ball and go home. Participate as the valiant loser and get out of this mess. The Ukrainian people deserve nothing less(or more).
mart...I am pro-peaceful resolution of conflict. Sending money to “feed” this war makes zero sense to me! Let Europe resolve this!
kev....I’m sick of our government officials thinking it’s OK to give our tax dollars to other countries! The real taxpayers of the US should not bear the financial burden of wasteful spending or other countries problems!
chri...We agreed to guarantee their security when they gave their nuclear weapons. Promises aren't valued (nor threats feared) if you don't follow through.
rmac...Wow can’t believe this poll
roci...One cannot be so short-sighted in the face of what is happening in Ukraine, nor with the courage that is being shown in the face of the cowardly invader.
brad...It's not our job to be the primary protector of other countries that aren't even part of NATO. We have a $1+ trillion budget deficit and need to stop handouts. This war is in Europe and our allies there have much more at stake and need to be more involved.
jdd0...Let Ukraine fall and Putin will be emboldened. Who is next?
hanl...we can't turn our backs on them or NATO
cmck...Putin is already Brain 🧠 washing Trump . Scary 😱 time.
jodu...The result of back stabbing the Ukrainians will inevitably lead to an unpopular war which the USA will support the wrong side. I hate what is happening.
bfir...Big mistake to let Putin advance his power grab.
robo...It’s not just necessary for Ukraine’s survival, it’s necessary to keep Russia in check. U.S. aid to Ukraine benefits the U.S.
jmar...It also sends a message to the world about our commitments.
errr...No more money to foreign wars until the US economy is fixed & there is no deficit.
kmas...Putin must be stopped. He is a dangerous dictator. The US shouod not back this bully. He will not stop with Ukraine. We should learn from History before it is too late.
patr...This aid is crucial to Ukraines survival and the US benefits from 70% of the aid it provides going to US manufacturers.
mari...We are clearly not the only supporter of Ukraine, with Europe participating to a large extent. Trump has a personal adgenda regarding Zelensky, which is indeed how this buffoon operates. Sadly this will affect our relationship with the remainder of Europe while he continues his courting of Putin... a "Strong Leader". WTF
cica...Donald Trump’s deliberately lying. Ukraine didn’t start the war and they’re fighting for their lives. Putin invaded Ukraine for no reason unprovoked. They murdered raped and they kidnapped 20 to 30,000 children. Their invasion force included pedophiles, sadists, rapists, murderers, and thieves. The Wagner groups not a real military group. It’s a collection of criminals and thugs that’s who led the invasion.
metn...Full support Increase support to break Russia
jton...Russia is an illegal aggressor. They should be stopped. Trump is a traitor to side with Putin.
twin...Trump is a RUSSIAN! Ukraine is a democratic country! We need to help them. Our president, whom i did not vote for, is a traitor to every american that loves this country! To sympathize with russia is a recipe for disaster!
rfbu...Dictator Putin needs to be contained. Not as much for Ukraine as against Russia aggresion.
amuk...Ukraine did not start this war.
drol...They need to be allowed into nato as well. All of this horse crap has to stop. We cannot offend all of the Allies.
susa...Putin & Donald Trump will go in and wipe out all of the people of Ukraine just like Netanyaha wants help from Trump to do the same with Gaza. Pretty soon news agencies will be covering a Third WW led by bullies like Trump & Putin
star...Its not our war, peace and repayment is the path forward or do it without our funding it.
mark...Spend whatever it costs to help the Ukraine win, take back their territory, rebuild and use Russian seized assets to help the Ukraine fully recover. Russia started it so they need to pay. Russia also needs to repay all the countries that contributed to the war effort, Russia also needs to pay for the Ukraines fees for NATO for the next 10 years. The bully needs to pay!
jeff...I don't understand Mr Trump love affair with Putin and their aggression.
kevi...2 days in a row of virtually the same question???
feli...We have provided way too much money and no oversight.
lkrt...I'd like option 3: Support-it, but have equal contribution as other supporting countries.
dani...We to continue financial and mislaid to Ukraine to oppose the evil Putin inflicted. Trump is only interested in himself and enhancing his own financial well being by cozying up to Putin
buda...This is about more than just Ukraine. Putin will not stop with Ukraine. We need to senda strong message. The president seems to have a soft spot for Putin as I’m guessing Putin bailed him out during his financial hardships back when he went bankrupt.
rbri...I'm old enough to remember the pre amble to WWII.
arth...WWII is the history we should remember if we think isolationism is the path we should follow. Trump mouthing off unnecessarily only emboldens Putin to be aggressive in his negotiations.
kelt...once again, no accountability of the money we have sent there
mike...Peace is the answer but not at expense of win for Russia and no win for Ukraine. No one ca trust Putin and also need to free Russia. Ukraine needs to have seat at the table. President Trump needs to express his plan greater detail.
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