A recent poll conducted by CNN and SSRS reveals that public sentiment towards President Donald Trump’s second term has sharply negative undercurrents, as a majority of Americans express discontent regarding his performance and priorities. With midterm elections on the horizon, Trump faces a challenging political landscape, with 58% of respondents labeling his first year as a failure.
The economy remains the foremost concern for Americans, with citizens prioritizing it nearly two-to-one over other issues. Despite this emphasis, the poll indicates Trump’s struggle to convince voters that he is effectively addressing economic challenges, with a significant 55% of respondents asserting that his policies have made economic conditions worse. Furthermore, a considerable 64% believe he hasn’t gone far enough to alleviate rising costs for everyday goods. Curiously, even within Trump’s own party, around half feel he should intensify his efforts.
Public perception of Trump’s priorities reveals a worrying trend, with only 36% believing he prioritizes the right issues—a notable drop from 45% at the beginning of his term. Only a third of American voters feel he genuinely cares about their needs, highlighting an increasing disconnect.
Trump’s overall job approval sits at 39%, a stark contrast to previous months, where numbers hovered around 48%. While his base remains loyal—with about 90% of Republicans approving of his performance—he faces significant challenges in gaining traction with independent and younger voters. His approval among independents is a mere 29%, and support from demographics such as Latino and younger voters has decreased as well.
Interestingly, Trump’s performance ratings on various critical issues, including immigration, have stagnated within the same low range as his overall job approval, underscoring the lack of a unifying policy that resonates with the broader public. Amidst concerns surrounding Trump’s use of presidential power, a strong 58% majority opines he has exerted his authority too liberally, especially in changing cultural organizations and initiating cuts to federal programs.
As public apprehension about the economy and democracy persists, many citizens are losing confidence that Trump’s second term will fundamentally alter the country’s trajectory. Although Trump retains fervent support within his political base, the widening perception of his governance strategy may pose serious risks as America heads toward crucial elections. The sentiment captured in the poll reflects a complex and challenging political reality for the Trump administration, emphasizing the necessity for responsive governance in addressing citizens’ economic concerns.