New national polling suggests that Donald Trump’s second term isn’t being viewed as confidently by the public as he describes it. A CNN/SSRS survey of 1,245 adults conducted from October 27–30 found his approval rating dropping to 37%, down from 47% earlier in the year. That number places him near some of the lowest points of his presidency, with 63% now disapproving of his performance. Many Americans also feel the broader state of the country is bleak, with 68% saying things are going “pretty/very badly.”
The poll shows rising prices and cost-of-living pressures dominating public concern. Nearly half of respondents—47%—said the economy is the nation’s most urgent issue, while 26% cited worries about U.S. democracy. Despite Trump’s strong focus on immigration, only 10% listed it as their top concern. A majority believe Trump’s policies have contributed to current problems: 61% say he has made the economy worse, and 56% think he has weakened America’s global standing.
Many Americans are also uneasy about Trump’s use of presidential authority. According to the survey, 61% believe he has “gone too far,” referencing an expanded reliance on executive orders, aggressive National Guard deployments, and unilateral foreign actions. This sentiment appears to be shaping the upcoming midterm elections as well—41% of voters say their congressional vote will be a statement against Trump, compared to 21% who say they will vote to support him.
Trump dismissed the poll results as biased, calling them “Fake Polls” in a post on Truth Social. He insisted that “Fair” polls show him performing far better and defended his record on the economy, foreign policy, and inflation. Whether public opinion shifts again remains uncertain, but with a potential record-long government shutdown and ongoing economic strain, the midterms may become the clearest reflection yet of how Americans feel about Trump’s leadership and the nation’s direction.
