If you listen to Donald Trump, he describes his second term as running smoothly — progress, strength, and stability. But according to newly released national polling, many Americans aren’t feeling that same sense of confidence.
A recent CNN/SSRS survey taken between October 27 and 30 among 1,245 adults suggests Trump’s overall approval has dropped to 37%. Earlier this year, in mid-February, his approval was at 47%. The new number places him near one of the lowest points of his presidency, close to the same levels recorded following the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021. According to the survey, 63% now disapprove of his performance.
When asked about the broader state of the country, the tone remained pessimistic. 68% of respondents said things in the U.S. are going “pretty/very badly,” while only 32% said they feel conditions are going “very/fairly well.” Rising prices and household expenses appear to be driving much of this concern. Nearly half of respondents — 47% — named the economy and cost of living as the most pressing national issue.
The survey also shows that 26% worry most about the state of U.S. democracy. Meanwhile, immigration — despite being a central part of Trump’s messaging and policy — is cited as the top concern by just 10% of those surveyed.
When evaluating Trump’s policies, many Americans believe they have contributed to current challenges. 61% said Trump’s policies have made economic conditions worse, while only 27% believe they improved the economy. On the international stage, 56% of respondents said they feel Trump has damaged America’s global standing; 32% believe he strengthened it.
Concerns also stretch into how presidential power is being used. 61% said Trump has “gone too far” in exercising his authority — a reference to his expanded use of executive orders, National Guard deployments, and unilateral military actions. The upcoming midterm elections appear to reflect this sentiment as well: 41% of voters say their congressional vote will be a way to oppose Trump, while just 21% say their vote will be to show support.
These numbers arrive during a time of heightened tension in Washington. The federal government is currently navigating a shutdown that could become the longest in U.S. history. Families are also continuing to deal with higher costs, uncertain economic outlooks, and questions about the health of U.S. democratic systems. Combined, these factors are contributing to a mood of frustration and fatigue among many Americans.
Trump has rejected the poll results and questioned their validity. In a message posted on Truth Social, he criticized the findings and the media reporting them.
“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!’”
Whether public opinion will shift again remains to be seen. Polling has fluctuated frequently throughout Trump’s time in office, often influenced by economic changes, political events, and ongoing legal and congressional battles. The upcoming midterms may provide the clearest indication yet of how Americans feel about the direction of the country — and the role Trump is playing in shaping it.
