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The issues weighing most heavily on Americans are not abstract debates in Washington—they are the everyday pressures of paying bills, filling a gas tank, and wondering whether leaders are focused on the same problems families face around the country. A new CNN poll suggests a growing disconnect between those concerns and how many people view President Donald Trump’s priorities.
According to the CNN/SSRS survey, 73% of U.S. adults say Trump has not paid enough attention to the country’s most important problems, while 27% believe he has focused on the right priorities. The survey, conducted July 23-27 among 1,225 adults, marks the highest share recorded during either of Trump’s terms saying he is not focused on the nation’s biggest challenges.
Rather than treating the poll as a verdict on a single issue, the findings paint a wider picture of what many Americans say is driving their frustration. Concerns about rising living costs, the ongoing conflict with Iran, and confidence in the administration’s decision-making all appear to reinforce one another, shaping public attitudes just months before the midterm elections.
Economy and Iran Dominate Public Concerns
Economic issues emerged as a central source of dissatisfaction. According to the poll, 65% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions, while only 22% say they have improved them. Another 71% say the president has not gone far enough to reduce the price of everyday goods, reflecting continued concerns about affordability.
Public opinion was similarly negative regarding the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict. The survey found that 67% believe Trump’s military decisions regarding Iran have hurt the United States, compared with 21% who say they have helped. At the same time, 74% say the president does not have a clear plan for handling the conflict, while 71% expect the war to become a long-term military engagement.
The impact of rising fuel costs also remains a major concern. CNN reported that 74% of Americans say higher gas prices have caused them at least some hardship, an increase from 63% recorded in March.
Approval Ratings Continue to Slide
The bigger concerns reflected in the poll coincide with declining approval ratings for the president. Trump’s overall job approval stands at 34%, matching the lowest point recorded at the end of his first term following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Half of Americans now say they strongly disapprove of his performance, while only 15% strongly approve.
Within the Republican Party, support has also softened. CNN found Trump’s approval among Republicans has fallen to 78%, while only 19% of Republican respondents say they are enthusiastic about the remainder of his second term, down sharply from 38% earlier this year.
Issue-specific ratings paint a similar picture. Just 28% approve of Trump’s handling of Iran, 25% approve of his handling of inflation, and 21% approve of his approach to gas prices. The poll also found that 62% say Trump is not an effective world leader, while roughly three-quarters believe he is out of touch with the problems ordinary Americans face.
Personal Priorities Also Draw Skepticism
Beyond policy, respondents expressed concerns about Trump’s priorities and personal projects. Only 27% say the president is someone who understands the problems facing ordinary Americans, while about two-thirds believe he does not put the country’s interests ahead of his personal gain.
The poll also measured reactions to several high-profile construction projects in Washington, D.C., including plans for a new White House ballroom and renovations to the Reflecting Pool. A 58% majority said they felt dissatisfied or angry about those projects, while just 17% expressed positive feelings.
Americans were similarly critical of Trump’s personal business activities while serving as president. According to CNN, 57% said it was a bad thing that Trump earned more than $2 billion during the past year while in office through cryptocurrency holdings, royalties, and property investments. More than six in 10 respondents also said he has gone too far in pursuing personal business interests while serving as president, underscoring the broader perception reflected throughout the survey that many voters believe the administration’s focus is not aligned with the issues they consider most important.