Public Confidence in Congress Remains Low as Americans Close Out a Difficult Year
New polls show Americans are angry with Congress as the year ends. After months of discussion, legislative standoffs, and serious national crises, public faith in parliamentarians has not returned, indicating widespread worry about the future.
Early December saw less than 20% of Americans approve of Congress. Record-low congressional approval reflects a deepening public-politician divide. Dissatisfaction spans political parties.
Unpopular parliamentary parties. Democrats had somewhat lower support than Republicans, who stayed below one-third. Party-identified people favored Republican candidates, but that was diminishing. Under half of Democratic voters approved of their representatives, indicating dissatisfaction.
Most independents disapproved. In Congress and nationwide, few independents supported either party. This group, which often decides national elections, dislikes party deadlock and infighting.
Congress pessimism is nationalist. A dramatic dip from early in the year has left less than 25% of Americans satisfied with the country’s direction. This was due to geopolitical uncertainty, economic strain, and political instability.
High-profile Capitol Hill occurrences influence public perception. Service disruptions and dysfunction increased during the record-long federal shutdown. Meanwhile, Venezuelan tensions and lawmakers’ months-long disagreement over sensitive investigations and foreign policy concerns have exacerbated global uncertainty. Tariff disputes and legal battles have raised prices and trade uncertainty, increasing economic uncertainty.
Additionally, economic sentiment has fallen. Nearly half of Americans think the economy is bad, the highest percentage in a year. Household affordability, inflation, and employment stability affect Americans’ views of politicians.
These findings suggest that the public is tired with politics and doubts Washington’s ability to solve everyday problems. As they prepare for the new year, data shows lawmakers’ increased thirst for stability, cooperation, and outcomes. Congress’s ability to recover voter trust is uncertain as the nation evolves.
Sources
Gallup Organization