Most opposed to Trump's handling of colleges: Survey

Most Americans are opposed to President Trump’s handling of college campuses, according to a poll released Friday.

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that 56 percent disapprove of Trump’s push to restructure higher education. 

The survey results come as Education Secretary Linda McMahon has revoked funding from Harvard University and Columbia University over concerns about antisemitism, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also cut $70 million in funding at three colleges. 

The White House has issued some institutions a list of demands that must be met before federal funds are restored. But the new poll finds that only 4 in 10 Americans approve of the White House move.

A majority of respondents said colleges contribute new ideas and innovative technology, in addition to uplifting medical and science research. 

Sixty-three percent of surveytakers said universities make unprecedented positive contributions in the field of technology, while 27 percent said neither negative or positive changes are made from schools and 9 percent said they have a negative impact.

Sixty-four percent said they believe higher education institutions advance research, 26 percent said they have no contribution and 9 percent said there was a poor impact on research.

Less than half of Americans, 48 percent, said colleges contribute to the quality of the workforce. Thirty-four percent said that secondary education institutions have no impact on professional fields and 17 percent said the impact is bleak. 

The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,175 adults May 1-5. Its margin of error is 4 percentage points.