Ten months into his second term, President Donald Trump continues to claim that everything is going “beautifully.” But while he paints a picture of prosperity and stability, the latest national surveys suggest many Americans feel quite the opposite.

A new CNN/SSRS poll, conducted between October 27 and 30 among 1,245 adults, offers a snapshot of a nation uneasy about its direction. The numbers reveal frustration over the economy, anxiety about democracy, and disapproval of the president’s approach to leadership.

Approval Ratings at a New Low

Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37%, one of the lowest points since he returned to the White House. In contrast, 63% of Americans disapprove of the way he is handling his job.

For comparison, just months earlier, in mid-February, Trump enjoyed a 47% approval rating — a temporary boost following his re-election. The decline since then marks a steep drop in public confidence.

This new low nearly mirrors his weakest point ever recorded — the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, when public anger over his leadership reached historic levels.

The Economy and Cost of Living Dominate Concerns

The poll found that 47% of respondents named the economy and cost of living as their top concern, more than any other issue. Inflation, high grocery prices, and rent costs continue to weigh heavily on households.

The state of U.S. democracy came second, cited by 26% of respondents — a sharp sign that Americans are increasingly worried about political division and government gridlock.

Surprisingly, despite Trump’s long-standing focus on immigration, only 10% of those surveyed identified it as their primary concern.

When asked about the direction of the country, 68% said things were going “pretty badly” or “very badly,” while just 32% said the U.S. is doing “fairly well.”

Many Say Trump’s Policies Have Made Things Worse

Americans remain divided on Trump’s record, but on the economy, most feel his actions have hurt rather than helped.

• 61% believe his policies have worsened economic conditions.
• Only 27% say his approach has improved things.

In foreign policy, the trend is similar: 56% say Trump has weakened America’s global standing, while 32% think he has strengthened it.

Concerns About Overreach and Power

Another striking finding: 61% of Americans believe Trump has gone too far in using his presidential powers.

This view appears to stem from a series of controversial moves, including the use of executive orders, National Guard deployments, and military actions abroad taken without direct congressional approval.

The survey suggests that many voters are uneasy about the president’s tendency to act unilaterally — a sentiment that could influence the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections.

Midterms Could Be a Referendum on Trump

Looking ahead, the poll shows that Trump remains a polarizing figure on the ballot.

• 41% of voters say they plan to vote in the midterms to oppose Trump’s agenda.
• 21% say they’ll vote to support him.
• The rest say Trump’s presence in the White House won’t affect their vote either way.

These numbers indicate that dissatisfaction with the president could shape congressional races, particularly in key battleground states where voters are frustrated with rising costs and political instability.

The President Dismisses the Polls

In true Trump fashion, the president has brushed off the findings, dismissing them as “fake” and accusing the media of bias.

“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “In the Fair Polls, I have the Best Numbers I’ve ever had — and why shouldn’t I? I ended eight wars, created the greatest economy in our history, kept prices and taxes low, and am setting records for the future U.S.A. Fake News will never change, but as I look around the Oval Office, I remind myself — I’m still here.”

Despite his defiant tone, pollsters say the data points to a growing divide between the president’s perception of his success and how most Americans feel day to day.

A Country at a Crossroads

After nearly a year into Trump’s second term, the numbers paint a sobering picture: Americans are worried about their finances, skeptical about leadership, and increasingly uneasy about the country’s direction.

Whether Trump can rebuild public confidence — or whether these frustrations will fuel a political backlash in next year’s elections — remains to be seen.

For now, the polls are clear: many Americans believe the challenges facing the nation go far beyond politics.

And while the president continues to declare victory from the Oval Office, the public mood tells a different story — one defined by uncertainty, division, and the quiet question echoing across the country: are we really better off than we were before?