Trump Administration Rescinds Biden Labor Rules as Public Sentiment Favors Independent Gig Work

New polling shows 76 percent of Americans favor gig worker status with portable benefits as the Trump administration rolls back Biden era labor regulations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 24, 2026, 3:51 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politico

The Public Shift Toward Independent Contractor Status

Recent data suggests that the American public is increasingly comfortable with the independent contractor model for app based labor. A poll conducted by Impact Research reveals that 76 percent of Americans support keeping these workers as contractors provided they have access to portable benefits. These benefits are essentially savings plans that workers can maintain while moving between different service platforms. Support for this model is notably bipartisan, with 79 percent of Democrats and 76 percent of Republicans in agreement. Among the workers themselves, the preference is even stronger, as 88 percent of app based drivers expressed support for retaining their independent status.

Federal Regulatory Rollback and the Biden Era Standard

The Trump administration is moving forward with a significant policy shift by advancing a rollback of labor rules established during the Biden presidency. The White House regulatory clearinghouse recently approved a proposed rule intended to eliminate a standard that encouraged companies to classify more workers as formal employees. This previous regulation had been the subject of numerous legal challenges before the current administration directed staff to cease its enforcement last year. This policy change is expected to have a broad impact on multiple industries, including the trucking and construction sectors, which have long relied on flexible labor arrangements.

Legislative Efforts and the Portable Benefits Proposal

On Capitol Hill, Republican lawmakers are attempting to address the complex web of worker classification laws that vary by state. The Senate HELP Committee recently proposed an expansive legislative package designed to promote portable benefits plans while protecting companies from classification related lawsuits. Major gig economy firms such as DoorDash have voiced strong support for these measures. Company representatives argue that their workers prioritize the flexibility and independence of contract work and that portable benefits are the best way to strengthen that model without sacrificing autonomy. Meanwhile, California has implemented a unique hybrid agreement allowing Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize while maintaining their contractor status in exchange for health insurance discounts.