Two-thirds of Americans say country is headed in the wrong direction: ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll
Two-thirds of Americans say country is headed in the wrong direction: ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll
Two thirds of Americans say country – Recent polling data from the ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos survey reveals a marked shift in public sentiment toward President Donald Trump. The findings, based on Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel, indicate that a staggering two-thirds of Americans believe the nation is moving in the wrong direction. This sentiment spans multiple critical areas, with majorities disapproving of Trump’s performance on key issues. The Iran conflict has intensified global economic pressures, pushing oil prices to a four-year peak and contributing to this growing discontent.
Approval Ratings Hit Historic Lows
Trump’s approval rating has reached its lowest point during his presidency, standing at 37% as of the latest poll. This is the first time his overall approval has fallen below 40%, marking a significant decline from February’s 39%. His disapproval rate has climbed to 62%, the highest recorded across both of his terms. This trend suggests a broad erosion of public confidence, despite his loyal base remaining steadfast.
Among Republicans, 85% still approve of Trump, a figure that has remained relatively stable throughout his second term. However, within this group, the proportion of strong supporters has decreased. Only 45% of Republicans now strongly approve of him, compared to 53% in September. This drop is particularly notable in non-MAGA Republicans, where approval has fallen to 64% and strong approval to just 13%. The MAGA-aligned segment, comprising 66% of the Republican Party, continues to show overwhelming support, with 95% overall approval and 61% strongly approving.
Disapproval on Key Issues
On economic matters, 76% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is managing the cost of living, a sharp contrast to the 23% who approve. Inflation has also drawn significant criticism, with 72% of respondents disapproving his approach—up from 65% in February. Only under a third of Americans (34%) believe Trump is effectively addressing inflation, a stark decline from previous months.
The Iran conflict has further fueled skepticism. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the situation, while similar numbers (65%) express dissatisfaction with his management of relations with U.S. allies. These figures underscore a perception that Trump’s foreign policy is not aligning with public expectations. A majority of respondents (60%) also view the use of military force against Iran as a misstep, indicating a loss of trust in his strategic decisions.
Tax Policies and Economic Promises
Trump’s tax policies remain a contentious topic. While his base applauds them, the broader public shows mixed views. About 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of his approach to taxes, a trend that contrasts with his earlier claims. In a recent roundtable, Trump asserted,
“Every single American at every income level—there’s more money in their pockets this week because of the Republican tax policies.”
This statement highlights his campaign promise of “no tax on tips,” but the poll data suggests this message has not resonated with the majority.
On immigration, the poll reveals a consistent pattern of disapproval. 59% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the issue, with 40% approving. This mirrors his ratings from February, despite the Operation Metro Surge, where federal agents targeted Minnesota for enforcement actions. The campaign led to the detention of thousands and the deaths of two U.S. citizens, yet public opinion has not shifted significantly. Notably, 54% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is managing the U.S.-Mexico border, with 45% approving—slightly worse than previous months.
Trust and Health Concerns
Trust in Trump’s leadership has also waned. Seven in 10 Americans say he lacks honesty and reliability, a concern that has grown alongside his disapproval on economic issues. Two-thirds of respondents believe he does not carefully consider major decisions, while 60% question his mental acuity for the presidency. Health remains a critical factor, with 55% of Americans stating Trump is not in sufficient physical condition to serve effectively.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s approval numbers among his own party remain strong. This loyalty has become a key factor in maintaining his political standing, even as his performance on broader issues faces scrutiny. The poll also highlights a slight edge for Democrats in the midterm elections, with their lead over Republicans increasing by 5 points. While this gap is not insurmountable, it signals a potential shift in public opinion.
Independent Voters and Political Trends
Independent voters, a crucial swing group, have become increasingly critical of Trump. His approval among this demographic has plummeted to a record low of 25%, down from 30% in October. This trend suggests that Trump’s policies may not be resonating with those who previously leaned toward him. The data also reveals that a majority of Americans (about 75%) disapprove of Trump’s economic stewardship, aligning with the historic low in his approval ratings.
Comparing Trump’s current performance to past administrations, the poll shows striking parallels. His economic approval ratings now match Joe Biden’s worst recorded in September 2023, at 64%. This comparison raises questions about whether Trump’s policies are truly distinct or if they are contributing to a broader economic slump. Additionally, his record on inflation and cost of living has drawn sharp criticism, with 72% disapproving his approach and only 28% approving.
Political Implications
The findings of this poll have significant implications for the upcoming midterms. While Democrats maintain a narrow lead, the data suggests that Trump’s team is not entirely out of the race. His ability to maintain party loyalty remains a key asset, but his overall popularity among the general public is declining. The question now is whether this trend will continue or if Trump can reverse it through effective messaging or policy shifts.
As the nation grapples with rising costs and global tensions, the public’s perception of Trump’s leadership is a critical indicator of his political viability. The two-thirds disapproval on the country’s direction reflects a deepening divide, with Americans increasingly critical of his strategies on both domestic and international fronts. The data also highlights the growing importance of the MAGA movement within the Republican Party, as it continues to dominate the party’s base and influence its direction.