Speaking out against the Trump administration not as risky as businesses may think
Few adults believe businesses should align with the Trump administration on all policy changes. A plurality (43%) view businesses speaking out on federal policy issues as appropriate civic engagement, compared to 30% who see it as overreach. The question is not whether to engage, but how.
The real risk for corporations is a lack of visibility
Just 39% of Americans say they are aware of corporate responses to federal policy changes, and 42% say they have not heard anything at all. Younger generations have more awareness of corporate responses than older generations—47% of Gen Z vs. 32% of Baby Boomers.
Engagement is supported on climate change
The public is clear that it wants businesses to speak out and maintain their prior climate commitments despite federal policy changes, with more than half (56%) saying that businesses should maintain their climate commitments. There is support from both Republicans (54%) and Democrats (66%).
Although public support for corporate engagement varies issue-by-issue, with more support for corporate engagement on tariffs and foreign conflict and less support on social and workplace policy issues and immigration, positioning engagement around economic impact attracts broader, bipartisan support.
Methodology
The poll was conducted between March 26–28, 2026, among a sample of 2,202 adults. The interviews were conducted online, and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, age, race, educational attainment, region, gender by age, and race by educational attainment. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Past Pulse Surveys
Slides and infographics highlighting survey results are available for members to use for company briefings. Our senior staff are also frequently called on to make presentations on topics covered in the Public Affairs Pulse.