If you ask Donald Trump himself, he continues to believe that his second term as president is progressing exceptionally well, even ten months into his tenure.
In his public statements and social media posts, Trump consistently presents a narrative of success.
He frequently cites achievements such as ending long-standing military conflicts abroad, maintaining economic growth, reducing certain taxes, and asserting America’s position on the global stage.
In Trump’s own view, these accomplishments represent historic milestones and evidence of strong leadership.
However, multiple independent opinion polls suggest that public perception of his presidency is far less positive than the image he projects.
Public concerns focus heavily on the economy and cost of living
Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined sharply, reaching one of the lowest levels of his second term. According to a CNN/SSRS survey conducted between October 27 and October 30 among 1,245 adults nationwide, only 37% of Americans approved of his performance in office.
This represents a significant drop from 47% in mid-February, shortly after his second term began.
Meanwhile, disapproval of Trump’s presidency stands at 63%, nearly matching his all-time low recorded by CNN following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
These figures suggest a widespread dissatisfaction among Americans with the way the country is being governed.
The survey further revealed that Americans are particularly concerned about the economy and the rising cost of living. F
orty-seven percent of respondents cited these issues as their top priority, reflecting the financial pressures faced by many households.
Costs for essential goods, including groceries, energy, and housing, have risen in recent months, creating real challenges for working families and retirees alike.
The state of U.S. democracy was the second-most cited concern, at 26%, indicating that many Americans are worried not only about immediate financial issues but also about the long-term stability of democratic institutions and norms.
Surprisingly, immigration—a hallmark issue of Trump’s administration—was a primary concern for only 10% of respondents, suggesting that other domestic and political challenges now outweigh border-related concerns in public consciousness.
Americans perceive Trump’s policies as worsening economic and global conditions
The survey also examined opinions on Trump’s policies and their effects on both domestic and foreign matters.
A clear majority, 61%, believe that Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions, while only 27% believe his policies have improved the economy.
This includes opinions on areas such as job growth, inflation, and financial security. On foreign policy, 56% of Americans think Trump’s decisions have damaged America’s standing internationally, while 32% say they have improved it.
This demonstrates that public confidence in Trump’s ability to manage both domestic and global affairs has weakened significantly.
Concerns about presidential authority and the use of executive power were also prominent. A majority of Americans—61%—believe Trump has overstepped his constitutional powers at various points during his presidency.
Critics point to examples such as executive orders issued without congressional approval, the domestic deployment of the National Guard in politically sensitive situations, and international military actions taken unilaterally.
These concerns highlight ongoing debates over the balance of power in the U.S. political system and the limits of executive authority.
Voter intentions and the approach of midterm elections
As midterm elections approach, these opinions are expected to influence voter behavior.
According to the survey, 41% of respondents said that their congressional vote would serve as a way to oppose Trump, while only 21% indicated that they would vote explicitly to support him.
This suggests that dissatisfaction with the president may motivate a significant portion of the electorate to seek change in the balance of power in Congress.
Many voters are expressing frustration with federal government operations, rising costs of living, political uncertainty, and questions about democratic governance.
If these trends persist, they could have considerable consequences for both the president and his political party in the coming election cycle.
Trump’s response to unfavorable polls
In response to these polling results, Donald Trump has consistently dismissed negative public opinion as biased or “fake news.” On Truth Social, he wrote:
“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!’”
This response is consistent with a pattern Trump has exhibited throughout his political career: he often disputes unfavorable polls, media coverage, or criticism by labeling them as biased or false.
Despite this, independent survey data repeatedly shows that a majority of Americans hold negative views of his presidency, particularly regarding economic management, foreign policy, and adherence to democratic norms.
Historical context and comparison
Comparing Trump’s current approval ratings to those of past presidents at similar points in their terms provides additional insight.
Historically, approval ratings tend to fluctuate depending on major events such as wars, economic crises, or domestic emergencies.
For instance, presidents like George W. Bush and Bill Clinton experienced periods of low approval due to economic downturns or controversial policy decisions.
Trump’s current approval rating of 37% is significantly lower than the average for U.S. presidents at this stage in their terms, indicating heightened public dissatisfaction.
Moreover, the 63% disapproval rate suggests that the country is experiencing a deep polarization regarding leadership and governance.
Social and political implications
The low approval ratings and high disapproval rates are more than just statistics; they reflect widespread public concern about the direction of the nation.
Issues such as rising inflation, high energy costs, political uncertainty, and the perceived erosion of democratic norms weigh heavily on American voters.
In addition, the survey data shows that citizens are closely watching how Trump exercises his authority and whether he adheres to constitutional limits.
These concerns may shape voting behavior in the upcoming midterms, as well as public discourse surrounding accountability, transparency, and executive power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Donald Trump portrays an image of accomplishment and control, independent surveys indicate that the majority of Americans are critical of his performance.
Key concerns center around the economy, cost of living, democratic governance, and presidential overreach.
Public opinion suggests that voters are closely monitoring how the administration addresses these challenges, and dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies may have significant implications for both his political future and the broader trajectory of U.S. governance.
As the midterm elections approach, the gap between Trump’s perception of success and the public’s evaluation of his presidency is likely to continue shaping political debates and influencing voter behavior nationwide.