Polling shows rising optimism among the public and the wind at Donald Trump’s back going into a second term. Across surveys, a common theme emerges: Americans are more optimistic about the future and ready to rally behind priorities like the economy and border.
In a poll by American Pulse conducted in December, nearly 55 percent of Americans reported either feeling hopeful, excited or relieved about the election outcome. Similarly, Pew Research found that 53 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s “plans for the future,” with excitement (22 percent) and relief (28 percent) being the most common emotions. These numbers signal a shift in public sentiment, with the electorate ready for action.
Trump’s personal favorability has also reached a high. In American Pulse polling, he is now at 50.5 percent favorability with a positive net favorability of plus 3.7 percent, echoing the RealClearPolitics Average of Polls, where he crossed into a positive net favorability for the first time ever. This growing popularity reflects approval for Trump and trust in his ability to address issues.
The economy and border security are top priorities for Trump’s second term. American Pulse found that a majority cited either “inflation, jobs, and the economy” (35.2 percent) or “immigration and border security” (19.1 percent) as their main concerns. Trump is entering this term with strong public backing on these issues: 47.8 percent of Americans think the economy will improve under Trump, and 59.6 percent think he will make the border more secure.
Other polls reinforce this economic optimism. CNBC’s All-America Economic Survey shows that 51 percent of Americans expect their personal finances to improve, a 10-point jump from 2016, while 51 percent think the economy will improve, up five points from Trump’s first election. Meanwhile, 40 percent say it’s a good time to invest in stocks — the most positive sentiment since 2019.
This optimism starkly contrasts President Biden’s economic approval rating of 36 percent in the CNBC poll, with 58 percent disapproving. Biden and Kamala Harris exit with steep challenges in public perception. According to American Pulse polling, Biden’s unfavorable rating stands at 53.7 percent, with 44.7 percent holding a “very unfavorable” view of him. Harris fares slightly better but still struggles with an unfavorable rating of 50.1 percent and a net unfavorable rating of minus 5.1 percent. This dissatisfaction creates an opportunity for Trump to draw a sharp contrast if he can deliver where his predecessors fell short.
Trump is also receiving strong marks for his transition. CNN/SSRS polling found that 55 percent approve of how he’s handling the transition, a significant improvement from 2016 numbers. Likewise, his transition approval earned 48.5 percent in the American Pulse poll, with a net approval of plus 10.1 percent.
Along with broadly supporting Trump and his agenda, more Americans think Trump deserves to have the Cabinet he wants. More than half — 54.2 percent — said the Senate should confirm Trump’s Cabinet nominees. That support jumps to 57.2 percent when framed within the context of winning the Electoral College and popular vote.
It’s not just broad approval but specific Trump initiatives that resonate with the public. Some policies labeled “controversial” enjoy majority support. American Pulse found that 54.7 percent of Americans support reforming the FBI; 55.9 percent back the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, to be led by Elon Musk, who also has a positive net favorability; and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives get nearly 52 percent support. These findings suggest Americans are open to bold ideas and change.
What’s clear is that Americans are backing Trump’s agenda in a way that suggests a mandate. This support and confidence in his ability to deliver underscore how effectively his team communicated his priorities during the campaign and now in the transition.
Trump’s challenge is to translate this confidence and optimism into tangible results. With the wind at his back and a mandate for action, the new administration has a unique opportunity to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges and deliver on the promises that earned the public’s backing. If the postelection polling is any indication, Americans are ready to move forward.
