Americans Changing Tune On Trump?

As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, a new national poll is fueling debate about whether the White House is focused on the issues Americans care about most — especially inflation, affordability, and economic stability.

According to a survey released by CNN, nearly 7 in 10 Americans (68%) say the president has not paid enough attention to what they consider the country’s most urgent problems. Just 32% say he has his priorities straight.

The poll was conducted February 17–20 among 2,496 adults and carries a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points.

Affordability and Cost of Living Remain Top Concerns

For many Americans — particularly retirees and those living on fixed incomes — affordability continues to dominate daily life.

While the administration has argued that inflation has improved compared to prior years, many voters still report feeling pressure at the grocery store, the gas pump, and when paying medical bills.

Some Republican lawmakers have quietly expressed concern that the party must sharpen its messaging on cost-of-living issues heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

President Trump, however, has dismissed media narratives about economic weakness. Speaking recently at a steel manufacturing facility in Georgia, he criticized what he called “fake news” coverage of affordability concerns and stated that progress had already been made.

He argued that economic difficulties were inherited and that his policies are restoring stability.

Additional Controversies Add Political Pressure

The poll comes amid several high-profile developments that have drawn national attention:

• Ongoing scrutiny surrounding documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein
• Controversy over federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota
• Recent Democratic wins in special elections

Supporters of the president maintain that strong border enforcement, domestic energy production, and deregulation remain essential long-term solutions — even if short-term polling fluctuates.

Approval Ratings Reflect Deep National Divide

According to averages compiled by Decision Desk HQ, the president’s approval rating currently sits at approximately 41.7%, with about 56.3% disapproving.

Political analysts note that modern presidential approval ratings often reflect intense partisan polarization rather than shifting core support.

Still, with control of Congress at stake in the next election cycle, messaging discipline and voter priorities will likely play a critical role.

What This Means Moving Forward

For voters over 50 — who consistently turn out at the highest rates — issues such as:

• Social Security stability
• Medicare protection
• Inflation control
• Border security
• Energy independence

remain central concerns.

How effectively those issues are addressed in upcoming speeches — including the State of the Union — could shape public perception in the months ahead.

With the political climate deeply divided, one thing is clear: economic confidence remains the single most powerful driver of voter sentiment.