Understatement of the century! Not being a bit critical of the statement, just the fact that it is almost impossible to give the facts of the matter enough strength and emphasis at this point.
Closest that I can come is comparing it to "looks like there may be some water taken on" as a vessel is completely submerged under the sea.
What percentage of the US population currently understands this to the degree that it is true?
My guess is somewhere between 10% and 20%. Quite a few people. I'd say more than 50% for the proposition that the feds are too big, out of control, and fundamentally dishonest.