A majority, 58%, calls the first year of Trump’s term a failure. Asked to choose the country’s top issue, Americans pick the economy by a nearly two-to-one margin over any other topic. A 55% majority say that Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions in the country, with just 32% saying they’ve made an improvement. During his first term, Trump’s approval rating on the economy regularly exceeded his overall performance ratings. About a quarter of those who disapprove of Trump say they do so because of his misuse of presidential power or treatment of American democracy.

Source: CNN January 16, 2026 13:27 UTC