Americans have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the economic management of President Donald Trump, according to a recent SSRS poll for CNN.
The poll highlights a significant divide in public opinion regarding Trump’s handling of key national issues. While the President enjoys some of his highest ratings on immigration, with 51% approving, his economic policies receive a notably lower approval, with 56% expressing disapproval. This marks the lowest economic approval ratings during his presidency, contrasting sharply with the 45% who approve of his overall performance.
Trump’s approach to various national matters displays a high level of polarization. Economic issues stand out as the most pressing for the American public, with 42% naming it their top national concern. These figures double the percentage of any other issue, such as democracy (19%), the federal government’s functioning (14%), or immigration (12%).
A striking 86% of Americans believe Trump’s use of presidential power deviates from historical norms, with mixed sentiments about this new approach. Notably, perceptions of his ability to manage government effectively and bring necessary changes have increased compared to previous terms, now standing at 49% and 50%, respectively.
However, confidence in his leadership remains tempered. Only 46% see him as an effective world leader, and 38% believe he respects the rule of law. These concerns persist amid debates over Trump’s domestic policies and their long-term implications.
The role of Elon Musk in the Trump administration faces skepticism, with 53% of Americans viewing him negatively. Concerns about Musk’s qualifications to enact governmental changes transcend party lines, with many doubting his judgment.
Moreover, Trump’s initiative to reduce federal spending and streamline the workforce, which involves Musk, is largely viewed with suspicion. A majority of 62% fear these cuts might go too far, undermining essential programs. In contrast, 37% worry they might not adequately address government inefficiencies like fraud and waste.
Trump’s ambition to reconfigure governmental structures appears driven by personal agenda, according to 55% of those surveyed, exposing a divide in opinions about the necessity of these reforms. Particularly among Democrats and Independents, there is significant anxiety about the potential loss of vital federal programs, with 90% of Democrats sharing this concern.
Lingering doubts from Trump’s first presidency continue to shape public opinion. Only 34% believe he can unify the nation, and 40% think he genuinely cares about the average citizen. These sentiments reflect longstanding critiques of his presidential priorities.
The perception of Trump’s policies as too extreme has grown marginally from 54% to 59% since his re-election. This sentiment is echoed in the nuanced opinions of those who appreciate his immigration stance but oppose his economic policies. Such divided views highlight the complex landscape of Trump’s leadership, where positive and negative assessments are often intertwined.
The poll, encompassing diverse perspectives, surveyed 1,206 American adults with a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points, reflecting a broad spectrum of public sentiment toward Trump’s presidency.
The CNN poll underscores the challenges President Trump faces in balancing economic policy and public expectations. While opinions on his presidency are sharply divided, the focus remains on critical issues such as economic management, governmental restructuring, and overall leadership approach.
