Most Americans Say Trump Focused On Wrong Priorities, Misusing Presidential Power: Poll

Last Updated:January 16, 2026, 19:55 IST

The poll finds that 58% of Americans describe Donald Trump’s first year of his second term as a failure.

US President Donald Trump.

Public opinion on nearly every aspect of US President Donald Trump’s first year back in the White House is negative, with a majority of Americans calling his performance a failure and saying he is focused on the wrong priorities, according to a new CNN poll. The poll finds that 58% of Americans describe Donald Trump’s first year of his second term as a failure. Only 36% say he has had the right priorities, down from 45% near the start of his term while a majority say he has done too little to address the cost of living.

Economy Tops Concerns, Confidence Slips

When asked to identify the country’s most important issue, Americans chose the economy by nearly a two-to-one margin over any other topic. Yet the poll suggests Donald Trump is struggling to convince voters that he is addressing economic concerns. Views of current economic conditions remain largely unchanged and negative, with only about three in ten Americans rating the economy positively. What has shifted is outlook: just over four in ten respondents now expect the economy to be in good shape a year from now, down from 56% just before Donald Trump was sworn in last January. A 55% majority say Donald Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions, while 32% say they have improved them. Nearly two-thirds, 64%, say he has not gone far enough to reduce the prices of everyday goods.

Questions Over Priorities And Empathy

The poll highlights deep skepticism about Donald Trump’s motivations and connection to voters’ everyday struggles. Only one-third of Americans say Donald Trump cares about people like them, marking the lowest such rating of his political career. Just 37% say he puts the good of the country above his personal gain and 32% believe he is in touch with the problems ordinary Americans face. Notably, more than a quarter of those who approve of Donald Trump’s presidency still say he is out of touch with their daily concerns.

Fewer than half of Americans say Donald Trump has the stamina and sharpness to serve effectively and only 35% say they are proud to have him as US President.

Concerns Over Use Of Presidential Power

While the economy dominates public concern, democracy ranks as the second most important issue overall and the top concern among Democrats. About a quarter of Americans who disapprove of Donald Trump cite his use of presidential power and handling of democratic institutions as the main reason. A 58% majority say Donald Trump has gone too far in using the powers of the presidency, up from 52% near the start of his term. At the same time, fewer Americans now expect Donald Trump’s presidency to permanently transform the country.

News world Most Americans Say Trump Focused On Wrong Priorities, Misusing Presidential Power: Poll

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