CNN Poll Reveals Majority of Americans Believe Trump Is Focused on the Wrong Priorities
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CNN Poll: Americans Say Trump Is Missing the Mark on Economy and Priorities
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A new CNN poll shows most Americans view President Trump’s first year back in office as a failure, with major concerns over the economy, cost of living, and misuse of power.
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CNN poll Trump, Trump approval rating 2025, Trump wrong priorities, US economy poll, Trump economy approval
Introduction: Public Confidence in Trump Slips Further
A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS paints a troubling picture for President Donald Trump as he moves deeper into his second term in the White House. According to the survey, a clear majority of Americans believe Trump is focused on the wrong priorities, particularly when it comes to the economy and the rising cost of living.
Majority of Americans Call Trump’s First Year a Failure
Public Verdict Is Largely Negative
According to the CNN poll, 58% of Americans describe Trump’s first year back in office as a failure. That assessment cuts across nearly every major issue tested in the survey, from economic management to leadership style and use of presidential power.
Only a minority of respondents expressed satisfaction with Trump’s performance, reinforcing the perception that his administration has struggled to meet voter expectations since returning to the Oval Office.
Economy Dominates Voter Concerns in the United States
Cost of Living Tops the List
When Americans were asked to identify the nation’s most important issue, the economy emerged as the clear frontrunner—by nearly a two-to-one margin over any other concern.
Despite Trump’s frequent claims of economic strength, the poll suggests that many Americans are unconvinced that his policies are improving their day-to-day financial reality.
- Only about 3 in 10 Americans rate the current economy positively
- 64% say Trump has not done enough to reduce prices of everyday goods
- 55% believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions
Economic Optimism Declines Sharply
Future Outlook Turns Pessimistic
While views of current economic conditions have remained consistently negative for the past two years, expectations for the future have deteriorated noticeably.
Just over 40% of Americans now believe the economy will be in good shape a year from now, a sharp drop from 56% recorded just before Trump was sworn in last January.
This growing pessimism may pose serious risks for Republicans as economic confidence often plays a decisive role in midterm elections.
Trump Struggles Even Among His Own Supporters
GOP Base Shows Signs of Frustration
Although Trump continues to retain strong support from his core base, the poll reveals cracks even within the Republican coalition.
Notably:
- 42% of Republicans and Republican-leaning MAGA supporters say Trump should be doing more to address economic issues
- Roughly half of GOP respondents agree that his efforts to lower costs have fallen short
These findings suggest that economic anxiety is beginning to outweigh partisan loyalty for some voters.
Americans Question Trump’s Priorities
Public Feels Overlooked
Only 36% of Americans say Trump currently has the right priorities, down significantly from 45% near the beginning of his term.
Even more concerning for the White House:
- Just one-third believe Trump cares about people like them
- This represents the lowest rating of his political career on this measure
Many respondents expressed a belief that Trump is focused more on personal or political goals than on the everyday struggles of ordinary Americans.
Trust and Leadership Image Continue to Decline
Concerns Over Motivation and Awareness
The poll highlights deep skepticism about Trump’s leadership character:
- Only 37% believe he puts the country’s interests above personal gain
- Just 32% think he understands the problems ordinary Americans face
- More than one-quarter of Trump’s own supporters say he is out of touch with everyday issues
One independent voter from Oklahoma summarized the sentiment by stating that while Trump may do some good, he often appears “self-seeking” and lacking concern for the broader public good.
Questions About Fitness to Serve Resurface
Stamina and Sharpness Under Scrutiny
Concerns are not limited to policy alone. Fewer than half of Americans say Trump has the stamina and mental sharpness required to serve effectively as president.
Only 35% say they are proud to have Trump as president, reflecting an erosion of symbolic and emotional support that presidents typically rely on during challenging periods.
Trump’s Approval Rating Remains Stuck Below 40%
Political Standing Mirrors Biden’s Challenges
Trump’s overall job approval rating now stands at 39%, with opinions remaining stubbornly negative across most demographic groups.
After briefly hovering near 48% last February, his approval declined sharply within the first 100 days of his second term and has since remained in the high-30s to low-40s range.
Interestingly, analysts note similarities between Trump’s current political position and that of former President Joe Biden, who also struggled to convince voters that he was effectively managing economic challenges.
Culture Wars and Use of Power Raise Alarm
Beyond the Economy
The poll also reflects widespread concern about Trump’s broader governing style, including:
- His aggressive use of presidential authority
- Efforts to shape American culture through executive actions
- Rhetoric that many view as divisive rather than unifying
These issues compound economic dissatisfaction and may further alienate moderate and independent voters.
What This Means for the 2026 Midterm Elections
Republicans Face an Uphill Battle
With the economy set to dominate the political landscape, Trump’s struggles to reassure voters could have serious consequences for Republicans in competitive House and Senate races.
If economic confidence does not improve, Democrats may find fertile ground to challenge GOP incumbents—especially in swing districts where voter sentiment is closely divided.
Key Takeaways From the CNN Poll
At a Glance:
- 58% call Trump’s first year a failure
- Economy is Americans’ top concern
- Majority say Trump is focused on the wrong priorities
- Declining optimism about future economic conditions
- Approval rating stuck at 39%
Conclusion: A Warning Sign for Trump’s Presidency
The latest CNN poll sends a clear message: many Americans are not convinced that President Trump is addressing the issues that matter most to them.
As economic anxiety deepens and trust erodes, the administration faces growing pressure to shift focus, recalibrate priorities, and deliver tangible improvements in everyday life. Whether Trump can reverse these trends may determine not only the outcome of the upcoming midterms—but also the long-term legacy of his second term.