Key Takeaways
80% of voters are concerned about major fraud involving taxpayer money.
93% want patients to know healthcare prices before receiving care.
61% called opposing tax cuts for seniors, small businesses, tipped workers, and hourly workers “crazy.”
72% say government should get out of the way of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
79% say Washington should cut spending and balance the budget to reduce inflation.
Across the last five months of ANMP research, voters consistently favor a government that is more accountable and transparent but less intrusive in decisions individuals, families, patients, and businesses can make themselves.
A Fish Rots from the Head Down—Fight Fraud and Corruption
Voters show little tolerance for taxpayer money being lost to fraud, abuse, or political favoritism.
In ANMP’s August 29–September 2 survey:
80% were concerned by the Minnesota child-nutrition fraud case.
79% were concerned by the Michael Madigan bribery case.
57% identified hiding the truth to avoid accountability as an example of excessive government.
54% said the same about allowing widespread fraud and abuse in welfare programs.
The broader message is simple: protect taxpayer money and punish abuse.
Congress can respond with stronger verification, better auditing, greater transparency around federal spending, and tougher penalties for misuse of public funds.
Related ANMP research:
The Corrupt Bureaucracy
Stop Paying the Crooks
Get to the Root of the Problem—Make Healthcare Work Better without giving Washington more Control
Healthcare shows especially clearly what voters want government to do—and what they do not want it to do.
ANMP research found:
93% say patients should be able to compare prices and know what care will cost in advance.
78% prefer a healthcare system where patients can compare prices and use that information in their decisions.
82% support greater freedom to choose doctors and providers.
74% also say patients should not have to shop for medical care like ordinary consumers.
The lesson is: make prices visible, hold institutions accountable, and give patients more control without giving them more burden.
Related ANMP research:
On Medicare for All, Cost Warnings Fall Flat — Control Draws Stronger Resistance
Wants are Many Needs are Few—Keep Taxes Lower and Control Spending
Ben Franklin said, “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship”. In May, 61% of voters called opposing tax cuts for seniors, small businesses, tipped workers, and hourly workers “crazy.”
In September:
58% associated higher taxes with excessive government.
60% said the same about taxing wealth including investments, retirement savings, and homes.
At the same time, voters expect Washington to control its own finances.
Support for the statement that government should cut spending and balance the budget to reduce inflation was:
80% in May
79% in early September
77% in late September
Related ANMP research:
How to Talk About Taxes and the Budget Bill
Voters Want Congress to Balance the Budget—Without Raising Taxes or Cutting Benefits
We’re from Washington, and We’re Here to Help—Congress must recognize where Government Should Stop.
One of the strongest themes across ANMP research is resistance to unnecessary government control.
In September:
72% said government should get out of the way of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
56% identified the idea that government “knows better” than individuals as excessive government.
58% identified government control of private property.
61% identified government-run healthcare.
In May, 76% called rules that limit healthcare choices while adding more government bureaucracy and control “crazy.”
The public is not necessarily asking for government to disappear. They appear to want government to set fair rules, enforce them, prevent fraud, and then leave room for people to make their own choices.
Related ANMP research:
Beyond the Label, What Voters Fear About Big Government Socialism
The Bottom Line
Recent ANMP research points to a clear message for the next Congress:
Protect taxpayer money.
Expose hidden costs.
Punish fraud and corruption.
Keep taxes and spending under control.
Let entrepreneurs create jobs.
Give patients information and choice.
And know when government should stay out of the way.
Americans want government acting more like a referee setting clear rules and enforcing them fairly than trying to control every decision on the field.
Research methodology: Findings are drawn principally from McLaughlin & Associates national online surveys of registered voters conducted May 14–18, June 25–28, August 29–September 2, and September 25–29, 2026. The May, early-September, and late-September surveys included 2,000 registered voters with margins of error of ±2.2 percentage points.
What’s Next
We’ll continue examining what ANMP’s latest survey research shows regarding the vital positions of the American people on issues that effect our everyday lives..
Next month, ANMP has several focus groups scheduled to follow up on post-election reactions and the issues the American public is looking for Washington to tackle.
We welcome your feedback and suggestions for additional research.