As President Donald Trump approaches the one-year mark of his second term, a new CNN poll paints a troubling picture of public sentiment regarding his performance. The survey reveals significant disapproval across various aspects of his administration, highlighting a growing disconnect between Trump’s priorities and the expectations of the American public.
One of the most striking findings is that 75% of Americans oppose Trump’s ongoing pursuit of Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Although some within the Republican Party show support for this initiative, nearly half of Republicans, specifically 47%, remain opposed. The poll indicates a substantial 82% of independent voters reject the idea altogether, suggesting a widespread lack of enthusiasm for the administration’s focus on such divisive issues.
Concerns extend beyond international aspirations. The recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have also drawn significant scrutiny. Following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, a majority of respondents—56% to 26%—believe the agent used inappropriate force. Furthermore, 51% of those surveyed perceive the incident as indicative of broader systemic issues within ICE, with 51% asserting that the agency’s enforcement actions compromise safety in cities, compared to only 31% who believe they enhance safety.
Amid these controversies, a clear desire for a shift in focus emerges. Many Americans—64%—express a preference for Trump to prioritize lowering everyday prices rather than continuing with his current agenda. This sentiment is echoed by 69% of independents and 48% of Republicans, underscoring a significant demand for economic action over divisive political maneuvers.
The poll also reflects a broader trend in public perception of Trump’s leadership style. Many Americans feel he has “gone too far” in his approach to governance. The poll shows that this sentiment resonates across various issues, suggesting that the constant controversies surrounding his administration are wearing thin on the electorate. Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with the more subdued leadership style that Joe Biden campaigned on during the 2020 elections, which appealed to voters seeking relief from political turbulence.
Internationally, Trump’s foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Greenland, fail to inspire confidence. The CNN poll indicates a growing belief among Americans that Trump is not an effective world leader, with 57% stating that his actions have harmed America’s international standing, a notable increase from 53% in July.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the poll suggests a mixed outlook for the Democratic Party. While they currently lead the generic congressional ballot by 5 points, with 46%% of registered voters favoring Democrats compared to 41%% for Republicans, there is a sense that Trump’s ongoing issues may not be enough to secure a larger victory. Enthusiasm among Democratic voters is notably high, with 66%% indicating they are “extremely motivated” to vote this year, compared to 50%% of Republican voters.
The poll also revisits the lingering issues surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case, with only 6% of Americans satisfied with the administration’s transparency regarding the release of related documents. A significant 49%% express dissatisfaction, and many, including 67%% overall and 42%% of Republicans, suspect that the administration is withholding critical information. This perception of a cover-up continues to loom over Trump’s presidency, complicating his administration’s narrative.
In summary, as Trump nears the end of his first year in office, the CNN poll underscores a considerable gap between his actions and the desires of the American public. The results reflect a pressing need for a reevaluation of priorities, particularly in economic matters, as well as a call for increased accountability and transparency in governance.
