Trump’s Approval Slides to 36% as Americans Question Priorities Before Address to Congress
A new national poll finds that many Americans are unhappy with the country’s direction or the president’s focus on crucial problems as he prepares to give his State of the Union speech.
CNN-SSRS found that Trump’s approval rating is 36%. His performance is unpopular with 63% of Americans. His approval rating dropped significantly from February, when it was 48%, his highest since returning to the White House. Recent data show a 12-point drop over the past year.
The poll also shows rising misgivings about the president’s priorities. Only 32% think Trump has addressed the nation’s biggest issues. However, 68% feel he has not prioritized the correct topics. This shows that most Americans feel their government problems are not being handled.
61% of respondents felt Trump’s policies are causing the U.S. to go in the wrong direction. Only 38% say the nation is on track. These numbers suggest broad doubt about his leadership as he prepares to address Congress.
Most significant demographic groupings show approval declines. The poll reveals a 19-point dip in Latino approval for Trump over the past year. Approval among Americans under 45 has dropped 18 points. Political independents also favor him less, with his approval rating at 26%, the lowest of his periods. He trails independents by 15 points.
The survey shows that Republicans, conservatives, and white Americans without college degrees still like Trump. These groups are his strongest supporters despite nationwide decreases.
As Americans await the State of the Union address, economic concerns dominate. The poll indicated that 57% of Americans want the president to focus on the economy and rising costs. This problem outranks immigration, democracy, health care, crime, and foreign policy.
Economic issues transcend parties. About half of Democrats want Trump to address the economy. 56 percent of independents and 65 percent of Republicans want him to discuss economic problems. Data demonstrates that voters regardless of party prioritize financial stability and daily expenses.
The study included 2,496 U.S. adults from February 17 to 20. Poll margin of error is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, so modest changes in numbers are possible.
The president has a crucial chance to address public concerns in the State of the Union address at 9 p.m. Eastern. The poll suggests that Americans will watch for clear economic development, cost-of-living, and national direction goals.
The latest approval figures show a split public and growing need for more focus on ordinary concerns that touch American families as the nation prepares for one of the most crucial presidential speeches.
Sources
CNN
SSRS Polling Data
