A majority of American voters disapprove of the Trump administration’s decision to close the Jeffrey Epstein investigation without releasing new files, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released this week.
The poll, conducted July 10–14 among registered voters, found that 63% disapprove of how the administration handled the Epstein files, while only 17% approve. Disapproval was particularly strong among Democrats (83%) and independents (71%), with Republicans split nearly evenly—40% in favor and 36% opposed.
“Epstein has been dead and gone for years but his tawdry legacy looms large in a country wanting to know more about who he knew and whether secrets have been buried with him,” said Tim Malloy, polling analyst at Quinnipiac.
The survey also found deep dissatisfaction with the Trump administration and with government institutions more broadly. Only 40% of voters approve of the job Donald Trump is doing as president, compared with 54% who disapprove. On key issues such as foreign policy, immigration, trade, and the Russia–Ukraine war, approval never exceeded 42%.
Congress fares even worse. Just 19% of voters approve of the job Democrats in Congress are doing—a record low since Quinnipiac began asking the question in 2009. Republicans in Congress are viewed slightly better, with 33% approval, but still face 62% disapproval.
There is also growing appetite for political alternatives. Nearly half of voters (49%) say they would consider joining a third party, including 75% of independents. But enthusiasm drops sharply when Elon Musk is introduced into the equation—only 17% say they would consider joining a third party if Musk created it.
“There is a healthy appetite for a third party among American voters. But with Elon Musk leading the way, not so much,” Malloy added.
The Republican-led “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes steep cuts to Medicaid and food aid, is unpopular with the majority of voters. Fifty-five percent oppose the legislation, and 61% say they are concerned that they or someone they know may be affected by those cuts.
On whether the American dream is still alive, the country is starkly divided. Half of voters say the dream is no longer attainable. Among Republicans, 79% believe it is alive and well. Among Democrats, only 15% agree. Women are more pessimistic than men, with 57% saying the dream is not attainable, compared to 42% of men.
Finally, the poll highlighted disapproval of top Trump appointees. Attorney General Pam Bondi received a 53% disapproval rating, while FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino received disapproval ratings of 47% and 41%, respectively. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also drew more negative than positive ratings.
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