No Backlash, No Retreat
This representative survey conducted by Das Progressive Zentrum, in collaboration with the Progressive Policy Institute and Georgetown Universityâs Center for German and European Studies, provides new insights into public attitudes toward public investments and green transformation agendas in Germany and the U.S.
Against a backdrop of political upheaval and economic uncertainty, the findings reveal how these dynamics shape public opinion. Despite setbacks for green economic transformation, public support for climate and economic policies remains remarkably stable, with no significant backlash against green agendas in either country.Â
Contrary to assumptions that Trumpâs victory signals a rejection of green policies, the findings show that a majority of Americans continue to support ambitious climate initiatives that promise economic opportunities. While Trumpâs âAmerica Firstâ approach has led to the U.S. withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, public opinion demonstrates that âAmerica Firstâ does not equate to âclimate second.â Notably, 42% of Trump voters see economic potential in climate action.
In Germany, a similar trend emerges. Despite concerns about economic stagnation and declining competitiveness, almost half of respondents support substantial investment in the green transformation of the economy.
There is also broad, cross-party backing for reforming the debt brake and increasing funding for economically disadvantaged regions, reflecting a shared recognition of the need to address regional inequalities and boost public investment in infrastructure, education, and innovation.
In both countries, the cost of living and economic stability remain top concerns, underscoring the financial pressures faced by many. These findings highlight the importance of reframing green policies to emphasize tangible benefits, such as cost savings and job creation, to maintain public support.
Five Key Findings
- Strong Support for âAmerica First,â but Climate Action Retains Bipartisan Appeal
- Public Investment in Climate and Infrastructure Faces a Messaging Challenge
- Germanyâs Cross-Party Consensus on Debt Brake Reform and Regional Investment
- âBidenomicsâ Lacks Public Awareness but Retains Moderate Support
- Transatlantic Ties Remain Strong, but Value-Based Alignment Weakens
Methodology
The survey was conducted twiceâfirst in early 2024 and again at the turn of 2024/2025âcapturing shifts in sentiment following two pivotal events: Donald Trumpâs election in the U.S. and the collapse of Germanyâs traffic-light coalition government. The two nationally representative online surveys, conducted by Ipsos GmbH, each polled 1,500 residents in the U.S. and Germany. The first survey ran from February 19 to March 5, 2024, while the second took place from December 23, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
Authors
Florian Ranft is a member of the Executive Board and Head of âGreen New Dealâ at Das Progressive Zentrum. In his role, he works on social, regional, democratic and economic transformation issues in Germany and Europe and leads the project âTransatlantic Dialogue on the Industrial Heartlands.â Florian is co-author of studies and discussion papers such as Mir reichtâs BÞrger (2023), Die Ãbergangenen â Strukturschwach & Erfahrungsstark (2022), or Tech with Society (2020) and is co-editor of Work in the Digital Age: Challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (2018). He directs the major international conferences and seminars of Das Progressive Zentrum, such as the Progressive Governance Summit and the Progressive Ecnomics Network. He regularly comments on current domestic and foreign policy issues (e.g. in taz, the Jacobin, New Statesman). Previously, he was Head of Policy and International at Policy Network and Senior Research Analyst at the Centre for Progressive Policy, two London-based think tanks. Prior to that, he taught and researched political sociology and international politics at the universities of Frankfurt and Greifswald. Florian is Visiting Research Fellow with the Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University, London.
Axel Ruppert is project manager overseeing international projects on socio-ecological transformation in the focus areas âGreen New Dealâ and âResilient Democracyâ of Das Progressive Zentrum. Previously, Axel worked in Brussels at the office of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and at the European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET) and European Network Against Racism (ENAR). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marburg University and a Master of Arts in European Studies from Aarhus University.
