Five months into Donald Trump’s second term, new polling data is offering a clearer look at how Americans feel about the direction of the country — and one state result is getting more attention than expected.
At the beginning of 2025, Trump’s approval rating hovered around 49%. Now, according to a recent national survey from Emerson College Polling, 45% of voters say they approve of his job performance, while 46% say they disapprove. Another 9% remain undecided. The numbers suggest that the nation is still closely divided, with opinions shifting only slightly as the year progresses.
The survey also highlighted how people view the country’s overall direction. About 53% of respondents believe the U.S. is “on the wrong track,” while 48% feel it is moving in the right direction. These views form the backdrop for the political mood heading into the midterm season.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that independent voters could play a major role in upcoming elections. According to the findings, 37% of independents lean toward Democratic candidates on a generic ballot, while 27% lean Republican. A significant 36% remain undecided, leaving both parties with a large group of voters still open to influence.