Recent nationwide polling shows a steep decline in public confidence in President Donald Trump, despite his repeated claims that his second term is running smoothly. A CNN/SSRS survey of 1,245 adults conducted in late October reports Trump’s approval rating at just 37%, down significantly from 47% earlier in the year, while 63% now disapprove of his performance. These numbers mark one of the weakest points of his presidency.

The public’s view of the country is similarly bleak. Roughly 68% of respondents believe the U.S. is doing “pretty badly” or “very badly,” with inflation and rising costs driving most concerns. Nearly half of all participants consider the cost of living the nation’s top problem. Another sizable share identifies threats to democracy as their biggest worry, while only a small fraction sees immigration—one of Trump’s core issues—as the highest priority.

Many Americans also believe Trump’s policies are worsening national conditions. Sixty-one percent say his actions have harmed the economy, while 56% view his foreign policy as weakening the U.S. internationally. Concerns about presidential overreach are growing too, with 61% saying he has exceeded the proper use of executive power.

These attitudes appear to be shaping plans for the midterm elections. Only 21% of respondents say they intend to vote in support of Trump, whereas 41% say they plan to vote specifically to oppose him. This signals an energized opposition and a shrinking base of active supporters.

Trump has dismissed the polling as unreliable, calling them “Fake Polls” on Truth Social. He argues that mainstream pollsters misrepresent his support and that he remains backed by “real Americans.”

How public sentiment evolves will hinge on economic shifts, political developments, and campaign messaging as the midterms approach. The polls suggest a presidency facing deep skepticism and a nation wrestling with economic and political uncertainty.