With one year to go before the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, a new CNN poll reveals mounting dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s leadership and a growing sense of urgency among Democratic voters — trends that could shape the political landscape heading into next year’s vote.
The survey, conducted by SSRS, paints a picture of a nation uneasy about its direction. Nearly seven in ten Americans (68%) say the country is on the wrong track, while 72% rate the economy as being in poor condition. A striking 61% believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions, and 63% disapprove of his overall performance — the highest disapproval rating of his presidency.
Democratic Energy Builds as Trump Fatigue Deepens
While both major parties face internal challenges, Democrats appear better positioned in terms of voter motivation. The poll shows that 67% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they are extremely motivated to vote in 2026, compared to just 46% of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters. Among Democrats who identify the state of U.S. democracy as their top concern, that enthusiasm surges to 82%.
The Democratic Party holds a modest 5-point lead (47% to 42%) in the generic congressional ballot, with independents favoring Democratic candidates 44% to 31%. Although this advantage is narrower than the 11-point edge Democrats enjoyed before their 2018 midterm sweep, analysts say enthusiasm and anti-Trump sentiment could still prove decisive.
Notably, 41% of respondents say their vote in the midterms would be a message of opposition to Trump — nearly double the 21% who say it would signal support for him.
Economic Anxiety and Policy Backlash Shape Voter Mood
Economic unease remains the defining concern for most voters. Nearly half (47%) cite inflation and the cost of living as the nation’s top issue, while more than half (56%) say Trump’s foreign policy decisions have damaged America’s global standing. His handling of immigration continues to polarize the electorate, with 57% saying he has “gone too far” in deporting undocumented immigrants.
The ongoing federal government shutdown has also compounded public frustration. About 80% of respondents view the situation as a “crisis” or “major problem,” and a majority disapprove of how both Trump and congressional leaders from both parties have managed it.
Republican Base Sticks With Trump — But Wider Public Shifts Away
Despite widespread public discontent, Trump maintains a loyal base within the Republican Party. Roughly two-thirds (63%) of Republican-aligned voters say congressional Republicans are offering the “right amount” of support to the president. But among the broader electorate, 55% believe Republicans in Congress are doing too much to back him — up seven points since February.
Democrats, meanwhile, remain divided over their party’s strategy. Forty percent say congressional Democrats are not doing enough to challenge Trump, even as 69% of Democratic-leaning voters want stronger opposition.
Voters Demand Accountability and Direction
The poll underscores a growing concern about the health of U.S. democracy. Twenty-six percent of all respondents — and 45% of Democrats — name democracy as the nation’s top issue, ahead of the economy. Sixty-one percent believe Trump has overstepped his presidential powers, a nine-point increase since early 2025.
The survey, conducted October 27–30 among 1,245 adults (including 954 registered voters), carries a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points.
While Democrats still face image challenges — with only 65% of their supporters viewing the party favorably — the poll suggests that dissatisfaction with Trump may be enough to drive turnout. As one analyst noted, “In 2026, the election may not be about who Americans like most — but about who they want to stop.
