While Donald Trump projects confidence about his presidency, behind the scenes a different story seems to be emerging.
Leaks from insiders and recent surveys suggest growing unease among Americans, raising doubts about whether the White House’s optimistic messaging aligns with public sentiment—or if a more subtle crisis is quietly unfolding.
Economy and Cost of Living Drive Concern
Trump’s public approval has taken a sharp dive. A CNN/SSRS survey conducted October 27–30 of 1,245 adults shows just 37% of Americans approve of his performance—a notable decline from the 47% recorded in mid-February at the start of his second term. Disapproval sits at 63%, nearly matching his lowest ratings after the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Financial pressures are a major source of discontent: 68% of respondents said the nation is doing “pretty badly” or “very badly,” while only 32% said it is doing “fairly” or “very well.”
Concerns over the economy and rising living costs topped the list at 47%, followed by worries about the health of U.S. democracy at 26%. Immigration—a long-standing hallmark of Trump’s agenda—was cited by just 10%.
Policy and Authority Under Scrutiny
The public is also skeptical about Trump’s policy record. Sixty-one percent say his actions have worsened economic conditions, compared with 27% who feel he improved them. On the global stage, 56% believe Trump has damaged America’s international reputation, while only 32% think he has strengthened it.
Concerns about presidential authority are also significant. Sixty-one percent of Americans feel Trump has overstepped his powers, citing executive orders, National Guard deployments, and unilateral military actions. With midterm elections approaching, 41% plan to vote against him in congressional races, while only 21% intend to support him.
Trump’s Response
Trump has dismissed the survey results as “fake” and accused the media of bias. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats and Far Left Wingers. In the Fair Polls, and even the Reasonable Polls, I have the Best Numbers I have ever had…
I ended eight Wars, created the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country, kept Prices, Inflation, and Taxes down, and am setting standards for Right Track / Wrong Track for a future U.S.A. Fake News will never change, they are evil and corrupt but, as I look around my beautiful surroundings, I say to myself, ‘Oh, look, I’m sitting in the Oval Office!'”
Looking Ahead
Despite Trump’s confident messaging, the data suggests Americans are increasingly anxious about the economy, governance, and the future of U.S. democracy. Rising costs, political uncertainty, and the looming threat of a prolonged federal shutdown have amplified public frustration.
With midterm elections on the horizon, it remains unclear whether Trump’s self-assured rhetoric will be enough to counter growing doubts—or if the nation’s concerns will define the political landscape in the months ahead.