A new national survey suggests that a majority of Americans view President Donald Trump’s first year back in the White House as a failure, with many saying he has focused on the wrong priorities during a critical period for the country. The SSRS poll, conducted for CNN, paints a troubling picture for the 79-year-old president as he enters a midterm election year, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction across key policy areas.
According to the survey, 58 percent of respondents described Trump’s record so far as unsatisfactory. The economy was identified as the top concern, with 55 percent saying the president’s policies have made conditions worse, compared to just 32 percent who felt they had improved. The finding reflects public criticism of Trump’s controversial reciprocal tariffs policy, which attempts to renegotiate trade agreements with other nations.
The cost of living emerged as another major point of concern. A substantial 64 percent of respondents said Trump has not done enough to lower expenses for everyday Americans, a central promise in his campaign. Even among Republicans, 42 percent indicated that more action is needed to reduce the cost of groceries and other essentials, underscoring the depth of frustration with economic issues.
Beyond the economy, the survey found broad dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of other priorities. Forty-seven percent of respondents disapproved of his foreign policy initiatives, while 42 percent felt he had failed to bolster law and order in American cities. Similarly, 41 percent expressed concern about his handling of the Department of Justice, and an equal number criticized his approach to free speech protections.
Reflecting on the public’s priorities, the poll showed that just 36 percent of Americans believe Trump is focusing on the right issues—a steep decline from 45 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, a majority felt he overstepped in several areas, with 62 percent objecting to his efforts to reshape the cultural landscape of institutions like the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian. Fifty-eight percent said he had abused executive power, and 57 percent believed he had cut too many government programs.
The survey also highlighted a shift in public perception of Trump personally. Only one-third of respondents said they believe the president genuinely cares about people like them, down from 40 percent the previous year. Similarly, just 37 percent felt he puts the country above personal gain, and only 32 percent said he understands the problems facing average Americans. Concerns about his physical stamina and overall health were also noted, with less than half of respondents believing he is capable of effectively serving in his second term. Only 35 percent said they felt proud to have him as president.
Overall job approval for Trump was measured at 39 percent, with notable declines among independents, who supported him at 29 percent. Support among younger Americans under 35 and Latino voters also fell, both groups dropping from 41 percent at the start of last year to just 30 percent. Despite these trends, Trump retains strong backing among Republicans, with nearly nine in ten expressing continued support.
The poll also touched on Trump’s immigration policies and enforcement actions, including the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. Over half of respondents said ICE agents’ actions were making cities less safe, and a majority described Good’s death as an inappropriate use of force. Notably, 52 percent now view Trump’s deportation push as excessive, up from 45 percent the previous February.
Taken together, the survey results signal a growing disconnect between the president and the general electorate. While he maintains strong support within his core Republican base, his popularity outside of it has declined sharply, particularly among groups that helped him secure victory in 2024. Economic concerns, public safety, and perceptions of executive overreach appear to be driving dissatisfaction, creating a challenging political landscape as Trump heads into the midterm elections.
The findings underscore that while Trump retains a loyal following, a significant portion of Americans are unconvinced by his policy choices or leadership style, particularly regarding economic performance, governance priorities, and handling of federal law enforcement. For a president facing heightened scrutiny, these polling numbers offer a sobering reminder of the political challenges ahead.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
