At first glance, the numbers seemed routine—another poll in a deeply divided nation.
But a closer look revealed subtle shifts that suggest public frustration may be more pervasive than headlines alone indicate. Breaking the data down by age, income, and geography, analysts see a quieter erosion of confidence that could have long-term implications.
Approval Ratings Slip
Ten months into his second term, President Donald Trump continues to project confidence. Yet the latest national polling paints a different picture. A CNN/SSRS survey, conducted from October 27 to 30 among 1,245 adults, shows declining approval and growing unease about the country’s direction.
Trump’s job approval now stands at 37%, with 63% disapproving of his performance. Just months earlier, in mid-February, his approval had been 47%, signaling a sharp erosion of support. These numbers are approaching the lowest of his political career, previously recorded after the January 6 Capitol attack in 2021.
Economic Concerns Dominate
Nearly half of Americans (47%) list the economy and rising living costs as their top concern. Inflation, high housing prices, and grocery costs continue to weigh heavily on households. Concerns about the health of U.S. democracy follow, cited by 26% of respondents, reflecting growing anxiety over polarization and institutional challenges. Immigration, despite being a frequent focus of the administration, ranked as a primary concern for just 10%.
When asked about the nation’s trajectory, 68% said the country is heading “very badly” or “pretty badly,” while 32% felt it was doing “fairly well.”
Perceptions of Policy Impact
The poll indicates many Americans believe Trump’s policies have worsened conditions, particularly economically:
61% say his economic policies have made things worse
27% believe conditions have improved
Views on foreign policy follow a similar trend: 56% think Trump has weakened America’s global position, while 32% believe it has strengthened it.
Executive Power and Public Unease
Concerns about presidential authority were also prominent. 61% of respondents feel Trump has exceeded appropriate limits in using executive power. Analysts link this perception to controversial actions such as sweeping executive orders, National Guard deployments, and unilateral military decisions.
Midterms as a Referendum
Looking ahead, the poll suggests Trump’s standing could significantly influence midterm outcomes:
41% plan to vote to oppose his agenda
21% plan to support him
The remainder say his presidency won’t affect their vote
In swing states, these numbers could play a decisive role, particularly as voters grapple with economic pressures and political uncertainty.
Trump’s Response
The president dismissed the findings as biased and politically motivated. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats. In the Fair Polls, I have the Best Numbers I’ve ever had… Fake News never changes — but I’m still here.”
Despite this defiance, analysts note a widening gap between the administration’s self-assessment and the lived experiences of Americans.
Conclusion
The polling data reflects a nation at a crossroads. While Trump continues to project strength and dismiss criticism, many Americans report unease with the economy, executive power, and the state of democracy. Whether these concerns translate into lasting political consequences or soften with policy shifts remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the gap between public sentiment and the administration’s narrative is growing—setting the stage for a potential political reckoning in the months ahead.