Widespread Discontent: Majority of Americans Challenge Trump’s Priorities and Governance, Poll Finds
A significant majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump is focusing on the wrong issues and express dissatisfaction with his administration’s handling of several critical topics, according to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll. The findings underscore broad public skepticism regarding the president’s policy agenda and overall governance.
### Questioning Presidential Priorities
The survey revealed that 57 percent of American adults believe President Trump is generally concentrating on incorrect priorities. This sentiment was notably stronger among women, with 63 percent expressing this view, compared to 49 percent of men. Conversely, while 50 percent of men felt the president was focusing on the right issues, only 33 percent of women shared that opinion. Overall, 41 percent of respondents indicated their belief that Trump was focusing on the correct issues.
Political affiliation significantly influenced these perceptions. A resounding 94 percent of Democrats surveyed asserted that Trump was focused on the wrong issues. Among Independents, 64 percent agreed, while 14 percent of Republicans also felt the president’s priorities were misplaced.
### Broad Dissatisfaction Across Key Issues
Beyond general priorities, Americans voiced considerable dissatisfaction with Trump’s approach to various specific challenges. A majority (58 percent) disapproved of his handling of immigration, the economy, and the nation’s foreign relations. Economic policies, in particular, faced scrutiny, with 51 percent stating that Trump’s policies had made life less tolerable for them. The cost of living also drew widespread concern, with 64 percent expressing discontent with the administration’s management.
International relations, specifically regarding Venezuela, saw 53 percent disapproval. The highest level of discontent, however, was registered concerning the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case documents, with 66 percent of respondents expressing dissatisfaction.
### Mixed Reviews and Overall Approval
Despite broad dissatisfaction, one issue stood out where Trump’s approval surpassed disapproval: his management of the U.S.-Mexico border. On this specific topic, 50 percent approved of his performance, while 46 percent disapproved.
However, overall job performance showed a different picture. The poll indicated that 56 percent of Americans were dissatisfied with Trump’s presidency, with only 40 percent expressing approval. This marks a three-point drop in his approval rating since the last survey in September. Reflecting deeply divided opinions on his legacy, over 40 percent of respondents stated that Trump was on track to be “one of the worst presidents in American history,” while 19 percent believed he was heading towards being “one of the best.”
### Poll Methodology
The New York Times/Siena College poll was conducted from January 12 to 17, surveying 1,625 individuals. The survey has a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points.
