During his first term, then-President Donald Trump promised to “drain the swamp” in Washington but did not significantly reduce the federal bureaucracy. In his current presidency, Trump has intensified efforts, purging thousands of federal employees and limiting regulatory agencies. Despite these moves, many voters feel the changes haven’t gone far enough.

A recent Rasmussen Reports survey found that 62 percent of likely voters support Trump’s pledge to “drain the swamp,” with 46 percent strongly agreeing. Support is highest among Republicans and conservatives, but half of Democrats, 61 percent of Hispanic voters, and 46 percent of African American voters also back the effort.

However, only 45 percent of respondents believe Trump has been successful in fulfilling this promise, while 48 percent say he has been unsuccessful—even after widespread federal workforce cuts. Rasmussen pollster Mark Mitchell emphasized that voters want decisive action, noting government trust and accountability remain major concerns.

In line with this agenda, the Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced it will redirect millions of dollars from subsidizing federal unions to programs benefiting veterans and their families. VA Secretary Doug Collins criticized federal unions for receiving free office space and employee time for union activities, describing this as a key part of Washington’s entrenched bureaucracy.

The department says the change will free up $45 million to improve veteran services. Collins stated the move allows VA staff to focus more on veterans’ needs rather than union demands, advancing Trump’s “drain the swamp” goals.