A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals that a majority of Americans view President Donald Trump’s first year back in office as a failure, with most asserting he is focused on the wrong priorities and has insufficiently addressed pressing economic concerns. Released on January 16, 2026, the survey provides a dire assessment for the president as the midterm election cycle commences, highlighting deep public discontent.
The poll finds that 58% of respondents consider Trump’s first year a failure, while 55% believe his policies have actually worsened economic conditions. A striking 64% say he has not done enough to reduce the cost of living, a central issue for many voters. Even within his own party, 42% of Republicans aligned with the MAGA movement express that more action is needed to lower everyday prices, indicating internal criticism.
Economic dissatisfaction is compounded by broader disapproval. Approximately 47% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s foreign policy efforts, 42% question his handling of law and order, and 41% criticize his approach to issues like free speech and Department of Justice management. These figures suggest a comprehensive rejection of his administrative priorities across multiple domains.
Personal perceptions of Trump have deteriorated significantly. Only one-third of Americans now believe he cares about people like them, down from 40% in March 2025. Merely 37% see him as putting the country’s interests above personal gain, and just 32% feel he understands the problems faced by ordinary citizens. Concerns about his age and capability persist, with fewer than half viewing him as having the stamina and sharpness to serve effectively.
Trump’s overall job approval rating has stagnated at 39%, with support among independents plummeting to 29%. Key demographic groups, such as adults under 35 and Latinos, have seen approval drop from 41% to 30% since the start of his term. While he maintains robust support from nearly 90% of Republicans, his failure to attract broader appeal poses a serious political liability.
A majority of the public, 58%, say Trump has overreached in using presidential power, and 62% object to his attempts to alter cultural institutions like the Smithsonian. These sentiments are echoed in concerns about his efforts to cut federal programs and change government operations, with 57% saying he has gone too far in reducing bureaucracy.
The poll also touches on recent events, such as the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, which has influenced opinions on immigration. Over half of Americans believe ICE agents are making cities less safe, and 52% think Trump’s deportation push has gone too far, up from 45% last February. This adds to the narrative of executive overreach and public safety concerns.
Conducted from January 9-12, 2026, among 1,209 adults, the survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. The findings underscore that economic anxieties and democratic integrity are top voter priorities, setting the stage for a contentious midterm election where Trump’s record will be a focal point of debate.
