If you ask Donald Trump, he’ll tell you everything is going just fine. After 10 months back in the White House, he insists his presidency is running smoothly and that the American people are happier than ever. But the latest opinion polls paint a much different picture — one that shows widespread frustration, deep political division, and growing concern about the country’s direction.
Economy and Cost of Living Are Americans’ Biggest Worries
According to a new CNN/SSRS poll, Trump’s approval rating has dropped to one of its lowest points since returning to office. Only 37% of Americans currently approve of the job he’s doing, compared to 47% in mid-February — a steep decline in just eight months. The poll, conducted between October 27 and 30 among 1,245 adults, found that 63% disapprove of Trump’s performance. That number is close to his all-time low, recorded after the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
When Americans were asked how things are going in the country overall, the answers were overwhelmingly pessimistic. A striking 68% said things are going “pretty” or “very badly,” while only 32% said they believe the U.S. is doing “very” or “fairly well.”
The economy and the cost of living were by far the biggest concerns, cited by 47% of respondents. People are feeling the squeeze of rising prices, housing instability, and uncertainty about job security. The state of U.S. democracy ranked second, with 26% saying it’s their top concern. Surprisingly, immigration — one of Trump’s signature political issues — was mentioned by only 10% of respondents, suggesting that economic anxiety has largely overshadowed other policy debates.
Growing Doubts About Trump’s Policies
When it comes to Trump’s handling of policy, public sentiment remains harsh. About 61% of Americans believe his decisions have made the economy worse, while just 27% say he’s improved it. That frustration extends beyond the economy — 56% say his foreign policies have weakened America’s global standing, compared to 32% who think he’s helped strengthen it.
The poll also revealed widespread concern about the way Trump wields presidential power. A majority — 61% — believe he has gone too far in using his authority, particularly in bypassing Congress through executive orders, deploying the National Guard in controversial situations, and authorizing international strikes without approval.
Voters Divided Ahead of Midterms
As the midterm elections draw closer, Trump’s influence continues to polarize voters. Forty-one percent of Americans say their congressional vote this year will be a statement against Trump and his agenda. In contrast, only 21% plan to vote as a show of support for him, leaving the rest either undecided or focused on local issues.
The numbers reflect a broader frustration brewing across the nation. The federal government is facing what could become the longest shutdown in U.S. history, leaving federal workers unpaid and essential services frozen. Meanwhile, inflation remains stubbornly high, gas prices fluctuate unpredictably, and families are struggling to keep up with housing and healthcare costs. Combined with mounting political division, these pressures have created a sense of unease that even Trump’s most confident rhetoric can’t fully mask.
Trump Dismisses Polls as “Fake News”
True to form, Trump has brushed off the unfavorable numbers, labeling them “fake” and accusing mainstream media of bias. On Truth Social, he unleashed another familiar rant, claiming victory despite the evidence to the contrary.
“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats and Far Left Wingers. In the Fair Polls, and even the Reasonable Polls, I have the Best Numbers I have ever had and, why shouldn’t I? I ended eight Wars, created the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country, kept Prices, Inflation, and Taxes down, and am setting standards for Right Track / Wrong Track for a future U.S.A. Fake News will never change, they are evil and corrupt but, as I look around my beautiful surroundings, I say to myself, ‘Oh, look, I’m sitting in the Oval Office!’”
Trump’s defiant tone has long been part of his brand, but political analysts warn that dismissing public dissatisfaction could be risky. As inflation bites deeper and divisions widen, his approval ratings may continue to slip — especially if Americans feel their daily struggles are being downplayed or ignored.
A Nation at a Crossroads
For now, Trump remains confident that he’s leading the country in the right direction. But with the majority of Americans saying life feels harder, and trust in leadership at one of its lowest points in decades, the gap between perception and reality has never been clearer.
Whether Trump can reverse the trend remains to be seen. As the economy wavers and political tempers flare, one thing is certain: public opinion is shifting, and it may take more than bravado to win it back.