Survey: Asian Americans are not optimistic about Trump

Only 10% of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults expect their community’s racial and economic fortunes to improve during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a Stop AAPI Hate report released on Thursday.

The nationally representative survey of nearly 1,600 AAPI adults — fielded Jan. 7-15 by NORC at the University of Chicago — arrives as the White House approaches its first 100-day milestone and has made early moves against DEI programs and birthright citizenship.

Stark numbers from the poll

Rising tension: Sixty-two percent of respondents foresee greater hostility toward immigrants.
Safety fears: Fifty-three percent anticipate an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes.
Policy pushback: Just 13% back nationality-based deportations; 14% favor new visa limits on scholars; and 21% would scrap federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) funding.
Readiness to act: Sixty-five percent say they are “extremely” or “very” likely to mobilize against hate and discrimination this year.

Community on edge

AAPIs are the nation’s fastest-growing racial group and roughly two-thirds are immigrants. That status makes them especially sensitive to policy shifts and public rhetoric.

Reports of anti-Asian slurs and threats online jumped 66% in the months after Trump’s 2024 victory, reaching a record 87,945 in January 2025. Advocates worry those digital attacks mirror on-the-ground harassment documented since the pandemic.

What to watch

With survey data showing broad pessimism yet high civic engagement, AAPI groups say the coming months will test both the administration’s agenda and the community’s resolve to protect hard-won rights.

May 15: Supreme Court oral arguments on birthright citizenship.
Late June–July: Expected high-court ruling that could shape immigration law for decades.
Throughout 2025: Possible agency guidance on eliminating DEI programs and the rollout of nationality-based visa limits.

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

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