President Donald Trump’s backers are prepared to pay higher taxes to support his agenda, as a new poll by POLITICO and Public First highlights the financial sacrifices some voters are willing to make for political allegiance.

The survey investigated how Trump's endorsement could sway voter support for legislation impacting their financial status. It found that a typical Trump supporter would accept an additional $65 per month in taxes if it meant backing Trump-approved legislation. Conversely, opponents of Trump, notably those who favored former Vice President Harris in the 2024 election, would need a tax decrease of at least $33 per month to support a bill Trump endorsed.

This study underscores the potent influence of partisanship on legislative support, where personal financial considerations often take a backseat to political loyalty. Trump’s ability to mobilize his base by merely endorsing a bill was evident, with his support translating into a willingness to endure personal economic drawbacks like higher taxes and potential job losses.

The experiment did not delve into specific policies but instead presented hypothetical bills described by their financial impact on voters, such as changes in personal income taxes, job numbers in their state, and everyday costs like the price of eggs. Respondents were also informed whether these bills were supported or opposed by Trump, Republican lawmakers, or Democratic lawmakers.

Interestingly, the poll also revealed that Trump's endorsement holds more sway than that of other Republican lawmakers. For 2024 Trump voters, a bill endorsed by Republican lawmakers without Trump's backing only merited a $27 monthly tax increase, significantly less than the $65 for Trump-endorsed legislation.

On the flip side, Harris voters showed a starkly different pattern. They were willing to accept higher taxes and potential economic disadvantages if it meant opposing Trump’s policies. However, their opposition did have limits. Democratic support for a bill could persuade Harris voters to accept a $61 increase in their monthly taxes, illustrating a strong partisan loyalty that mirrors, yet inversely, the trends seen among Trump supporters.

Seb Wride, head of polling at Public First, explained the methodology: "We cut out all the substance of the announcement and looked just at how quantifiable impacts and statements of partisan support cancel each other out. This approach helped us understand just how much partisanship influences voter decisions."

The findings reveal a complex picture of American politics where voter loyalty can often supersede individual economic interests. This dynamic plays a critical role in shaping policy debates and electoral outcomes, highlighting the enduring power of political allegiance over personal financial considerations.