Make Work Great Again? As DOGE Cuts, Majority Want Gov’t Workers Treated Same As Those In Private Sector

The article discusses the recent I&I/TIPP Poll findings regarding public sentiment towards federal workers and the efficiency measures implemented by the Trump administration, particularly through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk.

1. Polling Results:

• A significant majority of Americans (65%) believe federal employees should be treated the same as private-sector workers regarding pay, benefits, and job security. Only 22% think they should receive more favorable treatment.

• Support for equal treatment spans across political affiliations, with Democrats (63% support), Republicans (66% support), and Independents (70% support) showing similar views.

2. Demographics of Responses:

• Gender and race also influenced opinions, with women (70% no) supporting equal treatment more than men (60% no).

• Among racial groups, a higher percentage of white respondents (71% no) rejected differential treatment compared to minorities (55% no).

3. Support for Accountability:

• The poll also asked about requiring federal employees to submit weekly work reports, and 56% of respondents favored this idea. However, Democratic respondents largely opposed it (34% support vs. 53% oppose), while Republicans (81% support) and Independents (52% support) showed strong backing.

4. Concerns About Federal Workforce:

• Public sentiment seems linked to perceptions about productivity and compensation in government jobs compared to private-sector positions.

• Historical studies indicate that government employees tend to be paid more and are often seen as less productive than their private-sector counterparts.

5. Efforts by the Trump Administration:

• The Trump administration aims to cut down workforce numbers to improve productivity, with about 62,530 job cuts reported across 17 agencies, aligning with efforts to enhance efficiency.

• Elon Musk commented that the reporting requirement for federal workers is minimal, suggesting that it should be easy for employees to comply.

6. Financial Implications:

• Musk claims that current measures might save taxpayers up to $1 trillion, having already cut over $105 billion. There is a clear desire among taxpayers for these savings.

The I&I/TIPP Poll reflects a strong consensus among Americans for equal treatment of federal workers and greater accountability within the government workforce. With ongoing efforts to reduce inefficiency, the Trump administration aims to align federal workforce performance with private-sector standards, which many voters appear to support. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2025/03/12/make-work-great-again-as-doge-cuts-majority-want-govt-workers-treated-same-as-those-in-private-sector-ii-tipp-poll/