If you ask Donald Trump, he’ll tell you everything is going great. Ten months into his second term, the former real estate mogul and reality television star-turned-president continues to project confidence — touting what he calls “record-breaking success” across the economy, foreign policy, and domestic affairs.
But according to the latest CNN/SSRS national survey, the American public doesn’t share that optimism. Trump’s approval rating has sunk to 37%, one of the lowest points of his presidency and a dramatic fall from 47% back in February. Conducted between October 27–30 among 1,245 adults nationwide, the survey captures a deep sense of frustration and fatigue that stretches across party lines.
The Public Mood: Economic Anxiety and Disillusionment
The data reveals a grim national outlook. When asked how things are going in the country overall, 68% of respondents said “pretty or very badly,” while only 32% said they felt things were going well. The message is clear — Americans are weary of rising costs, ongoing political gridlock, and what many see as a leadership crisis in Washington.
The economy and cost of living topped voter concerns at 47%, dwarfing other issues like immigration (10%) and national security (8%). Inflation continues to squeeze working families, and even though unemployment remains relatively low, wages have failed to keep up with soaring prices for essentials such as food, housing, and healthcare.
For Trump, who built his brand on the promise of economic dominance and “America First” prosperity, these numbers cut deep. His economic policies — including tariffs, deregulation, and aggressive energy expansion — once drew praise from business circles. But for many Americans now facing higher household costs, the narrative has shifted from triumph to turmoil.
Public Opinion Turns Sour
Trump’s troubles don’t stop at the economy. The same CNN poll found that 61% of Americans believe his policies have actually worsened economic conditions, while only 27% said they’ve improved things.
On foreign policy, the disapproval is just as striking: 56% of respondents said Trump has damaged America’s global reputation, compared to 32% who believe he’s strengthened it. From his trade standoffs with China to abrupt troop withdrawals and controversial alliances, Trump’s approach to world affairs continues to divide not only the international community but the American public itself.
And while Trump often boasts about being a strong, decisive leader, many voters say his use of presidential power has gone too far. 61% of those surveyed believe he has overstepped his authority, pointing to executive orders, National Guard deployments, and foreign airstrikes launched without congressional approval.
Midterms and Political Fallout
These perceptions could have serious implications for the upcoming midterm elections. When asked how Trump’s presidency would influence their congressional vote, 41% said they would cast their ballot specifically to oppose him, while only 21% said they would vote to support him. The remaining 38% described their vote as unrelated to Trump.
Political analysts say this pattern mirrors the polarization that has defined Trump’s political career. His core base remains fiercely loyal, but beyond that group, independents and moderate conservatives appear increasingly skeptical.
“Trump’s greatest strength is also his greatest weakness — intensity,” says political scientist Dr. Elaine Hargrove of Georgetown University. “He inspires passion, but passion cuts both ways. You either love him or you can’t stand him. And in an election, that volatility can backfire.”
Trump’s Response: “Fake Polls and Fake News”
True to form, Trump wasted no time firing back. In a lengthy post on Truth Social, he blasted the polls as “phony” and accused mainstream outlets of manipulating data to hurt his presidency.
“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats and Far Left Wingers,” Trump wrote. “In the Fair Polls, I have the Best Numbers I have ever had. I ended eight wars, created the greatest economy in history, and kept inflation and taxes down. Fake News will never change!”
He ended the message with characteristic flair: “As I look around my beautiful surroundings, I say to myself, ‘Oh, look, I’m sitting in the Oval Office!’”
To his supporters, Trump’s response was vintage — defiant, confident, and unbowed. But to critics, it reinforced what they see as his disconnect from reality and his refusal to acknowledge growing public dissatisfaction.
A President Facing Pressure on All Fronts
The approval slump comes as the federal government faces what could become the longest shutdown in modern U.S. history. Negotiations over spending priorities have stalled, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and millions of Americans anxious about potential cuts to vital services.
At the same time, foreign tensions are escalating. Ongoing disputes with Iran, trade instability with China, and criticism from European allies have put Trump’s “America First” agenda under renewed scrutiny.
Domestically, the White House is also grappling with internal challenges. Several high-ranking officials have reportedly expressed frustration with the administration’s decision-making process, while critics in Congress accuse Trump of prioritizing political loyalty over competence.
Deep Divides, Deeper Uncertainty
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the new polling data is not just Trump’s numbers — but what they reveal about the broader mood of the nation. Americans remain deeply divided not only over the president himself but also over the direction of the country.
Among Republicans, Trump’s approval stands at an overwhelming 82%, evidence of his continued dominance within the party. However, among independents, approval drops to 31%, and among Democrats, it plummets to just 6%.
This polarization extends beyond Trump’s policies to the very nature of political discourse. According to the survey, 59% of Americans say they “rarely or never” trust political news from opposing viewpoints, a level of distrust that experts warn could further destabilize democratic dialogue.
“America is living in two different realities,” says journalist Marianne West, who has covered political polarization for over a decade. “For Trump supporters, every criticism is fake news. For opponents, every defense of Trump is propaganda. The middle ground is vanishing.”
What Comes Next
With 2024 looming, Trump faces a delicate balancing act. He remains a formidable political force, but sustaining public confidence will require more than fiery speeches and social media posts. The challenges ahead — economic uncertainty, international instability, and domestic division — will test his administration’s resilience and his ability to reconnect with skeptical voters.
Still, history has shown that Trump thrives under pressure. His approval ratings have dipped before, only to rebound after high-profile rallies or major policy announcements. Whether that can happen again remains to be seen.
For now, the numbers don’t lie: nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his presidency. The question is whether that disapproval reflects a temporary wave of frustration — or a lasting shift in how the nation views one of its most polarizing leaders.
As the White House braces for another turbulent winter, the answer may depend not just on what Trump does next, but on whether the country is willing to give him another chance.
