Majority of Americans pessimistic about country’s future under Trump: Poll
The CNN poll indicates that over two-thirds of Americans (67%) feel afraid or pessimistic about the country’s future under President Donald Trump’s leadership, with only 33% feeling optimistic or keen.Among Republicans, only 19% are enthusiastic about Trump’s remaining term, while 58% remain optimistic, and others are pessimistic or afraid. Additionally, 38% of respondents believe Trump is an effective world leader, whereas 62% do not. The findings come ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where Trump’s popularity will be tested as the GOP seeks to defend congressional majorities. Democrats are heavily investing in efforts to regain control of the House and Senate, despite facing lower favorability ratings and less campaign funding compared to Republicans. historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in midterms, and current concerns include affordability and tensions with Iran. While Democratic polls show some improvement since the cycle began, they continue to lag behind Republicans in overall favorability and fundraising, with a poll margin of error of ±3.2%.
More than two-thirds of Americans say they feel either afraid or pessimistic about the country’s future under President Donald Trump’s leadership, according to a new CNN poll.
The survey found that 67% of U.S. adults said they are either “afraid” or “pessimistic” about the nation’s future, while 33% said they feel “enthusiastic” or “optimistic.”
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Even among Republicans, enthusiasm remains relatively muted. Just 19% of self-identified GOP voters said they are enthusiastic about the remainder of Trump’s second term, while 58% described themselves as optimistic. Another 13% said they are pessimistic, and 11% said they are afraid.
The poll also found that 38% view Trump as an effective world leader, while 62% do not.
The findings come just four months before the 2026 midterm elections, when Trump’s standing with voters will face its next major test as the Republican Party looks to defend its congressional majorities. Meanwhile, Democrats are pouring resources into efforts to reclaim both the House and Senate.
Historically, the president’s party tends to lose congressional seats in midterm elections, creating additional headwinds for Republicans. The administration also continues to contend with voter concerns over affordability, while the war with Iran remains a prominent issue.
Democrats, however, face challenges of their own. The party’s favorability rating remains more than 17 points underwater in the RealClearPolling average, and Democratic campaign committees and allied super PACs have significantly less cash on hand than their Republican counterparts.
Democrats see dip in generic ballot polling
Still, Democratic strategists argue the political environment has improved for their party since the start of the cycle, pointing to recent generic ballot polling showing that the party maintains an advantage.
CNN conducted the poll from July 23 to July 27 among 1,225 U.S. adults. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 points.
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