Public Opinion on President Trump's First Year in Office: A CNN/SRSS Survey Analysis
Americans have differing opinions on President Trump's first year in office, with a majority considering it a failure, according to a recent CNN/SRSS survey. The survey revealed that 58 percent of U.S. adults viewed 2025 as a failure for the president, while 42 percent deemed it a success. Overall, 61 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump's job performance, citing reasons such as personal behavior, misuse of power, policy agenda, foreign policy moves, and cost of living concerns.
Some survey participants expressed concerns about Trump's personal behavior, including allegations of putting self-interests above the nation, bullying, disrespect, erratic behavior, and accusations of racism. Additionally, 58 percent of respondents believed that the president had exceeded his presidential powers, while 34 percent felt his use of power was appropriate, and 8 percent thought he had not gone far enough.
Criticism of Trump's focus on foreign policy, particularly regarding Venezuela, has been raised by Democrats, who argue that domestic issues like healthcare and housing costs should take precedence. The survey indicated that 42 percent approved of Trump's actions in Venezuela, while 58 percent disapproved. Similarly, opinions were divided on healthcare policy and the economy, with 36 percent approving of Trump's agenda on healthcare and 39 percent on the economy.
Participants also weighed in on Trump's priorities, with 36 percent believing he has the right priorities, a decrease from the beginning of his term, while 64 percent felt he had not paid enough attention to the country's most pressing issues. The economy and cost of living, as well as the state of U.S. democracy, were identified as the most critical issues facing Americans today.
The CNN poll surveyed 1,209 adults from Jan. 9-12, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Overall, the survey reflects a divided public opinion on President Trump's performance in his first year in office.