As Donald Trump’s second term as US president enters its second year, a pair of recent polls suggest that American voters are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the administration’s priorities. While the president has continued to pursue an aggressive foreign policy agenda, including threats of military action against countries like Venezuela and Iran, voters are urging him to shift his focus to addressing the country’s economic woes.
The Wall Street Journal poll found that a majority of respondents (57%) believe the US economy is weak, with nearly half (49%) saying it has weakened over the past year. Only 35% said the economy has improved under Trump’s leadership. Voters also expressed concerns about the rising cost of living, with 74% in a CBS News poll saying their incomes are not keeping up with rising prices.
Trump’s overall approval ratings have also taken a hit, with the Wall Street Journal poll finding his disapproval at a record high of 54%. The president received particularly low marks on issues like the economy, trade policy, and inflation, where his disapproval ratings were 10 to 17 points higher than his approval.
In contrast, Trump’s handling of immigration and border security remains a relative bright spot, though even there he is underwater by 4 points. The president’s aggressive foreign policy moves, including threats to seize Greenland and intervene militarily in Venezuela and Iran, have also drawn broad criticism, with 53% of respondents saying he has gone “too far.”
Notably, the polls were conducted before the White House unveiled its “Great Healthcare Plan” to address the looming expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. However, the administration’s previous refusal to negotiate with Democrats on an extension of those subsidies has already drawn criticism from some of Trump’s own allies, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.
As the president enters the second half of his term, the message from American voters is clear: it’s time to shift the focus back to the economy and domestic issues that are directly impacting their daily lives. With his approval ratings sagging and midterm elections on the horizon, Trump will need to heed this call if he hopes to shore up support and secure his legacy.