A new CNN poll of independent voters released between August 21st and September 1st, 2025, indicates a preference for the Republican Party on issues of strong leadership and the economy, while independents align more closely with the Democratic Party on social issues such as DEI and protecting democracy. The poll, conducted by CNN, surveyed independent voters on various policy areas. Conducted by CNN, the poll revealed that 33% of independent voters view the Republican Party as having strong leaders, compared to 9% for the Democratic Party. On the economy, 30% of independents favored the Republican Party's views, while 28% favored the Democratic Party's. For crime and policing, 36% of independents leaned Republican, versus 21% for Democrats. Immigration also saw a slight Republican advantage at 33% to 30%. Conversely, on social issues, independents showed a preference for the Democratic Party. On abortion, 45% of independents' views aligned with Democrats, compared to 22% for Republicans. Protecting democracy also saw a Democratic lean at 36% to 22%. For diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, 38% of independents favored the Democratic Party's views, versus 30% for Republicans. On gender identity and trans people, 32% of independents leaned Republican, while 28% favored Democrats. In other developments, newly installed U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who has no prior prosecution experience, presented the James Comey indictment to the grand jury alone, according to sources familiar with the matter. This presentation raises questions about whether prosecutors within the office will be willing to work on the case. Separately, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to make a major announcement regarding Non-Domiciled Truck Licensing at DOT headquarters. Additionally, Senator John Thune suggested that President Trump might be open to negotiating expanded health care subsidies if Democrats were not threatening a government shutdown, according to reporting from WUSA9 and shared via X. Meanwhile, political commentary on X suggests that top congressional Democrats possess a weak negotiating position and lack a clear strategy regarding potential government shutdown talks. This comes as House Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, previously criticized President Trump's policies on immigration and farm bailouts amid concerns over security spending, as detailed in earlier reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also concluded engagements in Washington, having met with President Trump earlier this week.
