Ten months into his second term, President Donald Trump continues to insist that the country is moving in the right direction. He often describes the nation as strong, successful, and stable. But new national surveys suggest that many Americans do not share this confidence. Instead, a growing number of people feel worried, frustrated, and unsure about the future.
A recent CNN/SSRS poll of 1,245 adults, conducted between October 27 and 30, offers a clearer look at how the public is feeling. The results reveal concerns about the economy, doubts about the state of democracy, and a noticeable drop in support for the president’s leadership.
Approval Ratings at a New Low
Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37%, one of the lowest points of his second term. Meanwhile, 63% of Americans say they disapprove of the way he is handling his job. Earlier in the year, in mid-February, his approval was at 47% after a short boost following his re-election. The sharp decline since then shows a significant loss of public confidence.

This rating now nearly matches his lowest point in history — the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack — when many Americans strongly questioned his leadership.
The Economy and Cost of Living Remain the Biggest Concerns
Almost half of the respondents, 47%, said the economy and cost of living are their main concerns. Rising grocery prices, rent increases, and inflation continue to put pressure on families across the country.
The second biggest concern is the state of U.S. democracy, chosen by 26% of those surveyed. This reflects increasing worry about political division, government disagreements, and instability in the nation’s leadership.
Even though Trump often focuses on immigration, only 10% of people said it is their top concern right now.
When asked about the direction of the country, 68% of Americans said things are going “pretty badly” or “very badly.” Only 32% believe the United States is doing “fairly well.”
Many Believe Trump’s Policies Have Made Things Worse
The public remains divided about Trump’s overall performance, but when it comes to the economy, most people feel his policies have caused more harm than good.
- 61% believe his policies have made economic conditions worse.
- 27% say his approach has improved the situation.
Foreign policy results show a similar pattern. About 56% of Americans think Trump has weakened the nation’s global standing, while 32% believe he has strengthened it.
Concerns About Overreach and Use of Power
Another major finding is that 61% of Americans feel Trump has gone too far in using presidential power. This belief may come from several controversial actions, such as frequent executive orders, National Guard deployments, and military decisions made without Congress.
These concerns suggest that many voters are uneasy about a president who often acts alone, without broader approval. This could play a major role in shaping the upcoming midterm elections.
Midterm Elections Could Become a Vote on Trump’s Leadership
The poll also shows how deeply Trump continues to influence voting decisions.
- 41% of voters say they plan to vote in the midterms specifically to oppose Trump’s agenda.
- 21% say they will vote to support him.
- The rest say Trump will not affect their vote either way.
These numbers suggest that frustration with the president could drive voter turnout, especially in competitive states where concerns about rising costs and political division are already high.
The President Rejects the Poll Results
As expected, Trump has dismissed the poll findings. He called them “fake” and accused major media outlets of pushing biased numbers against him.
On Truth Social, he wrote that he has the “Best Numbers” in fair polls and credited himself with ending wars, creating a strong economy, and keeping prices low. He ended his message by saying he remains confident as he looks around the Oval Office.
But pollsters say the data shows a clear gap between Trump’s view of his achievements and how many Americans feel in their daily lives.
A Country Facing Serious Questions
After nearly a year of Trump’s second term, the results show a nation facing challenges on many fronts. People are worried about their financial stability, political unity, and the future of the country. Many feel uncertain about whether things will improve anytime soon.
Whether Trump can regain public trust — or whether these concerns will lead to major changes in next year’s elections — remains uncertain.
For now, one message stands out from the polls: many Americans are uneasy, divided, and questioning whether life has actually improved. While the president continues to declare success, the public mood tells a much different story — one marked by doubt, division, and a growing sense that the nation is standing at a crossroads.
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