President Trump remains steady while most Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, revealing deep polarization over the economy, media, and leadership heading into 2026.
What to Know
- Only 40% of voters say the U.S. is moving in the right direction, while 55% say it is on the wrong track.
- Republicans lead the generic congressional ballot 46% to 44%, with independents favoring the GOP by roughly nine points.
- 51% of voters approve of President Trump’s performance, while 38% disapprove of him personally but agree with many of his policies.
- A majority of Americans, 65%, agree that the MAGA movement is right to “put America and the American people first.”
- Economic concerns dominate voter priorities, with 43% citing inflation, jobs, or spending as their top issue.
The October 2025 McLaughlin & Associates national survey of 1,000 likely general election voters underscores a nation uneasy with its direction yet hesitant to change course. 40% of respondents said the country is headed in the right direction, while 55% said it is on the wrong track. That pessimism is widespread: only 34% of Midwestern voters and 35% of Western voters see progress, compared to 45% in the East.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
Still, Republicans maintain a slight advantage in the congressional ballot at 46% to 44%, reflecting both Trump’s continued influence and persistent distrust of Democratic leadership. Among independents, Republicans hold a 10-point advantage, with 28% choosing GOP candidates versus 18% for Democrats.
Trump’s approval remains positive, with 51% approving of his job performance and 38% saying they may disapprove of him personally but agree with his policies.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
Only 46% disapprove outright. This combination of personal skepticism and policy alignment helps explain why Trump’s support has stayed consistent among middle-class and independent voters.
The Economy Drives the Mood
Economic anxiety remains the dominant feature of the electorate. 43% of respondents named economic concerns as their top issue, with 21% specifically citing inflation and the cost of living. Another 16% mentioned Social Security and Medicare, while 18% pointed to security-related concerns such as immigration or crime.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
While inflation has cooled from its highs, most voters still feel its effects. 58% say the economy is getting worse, while only 36% believe it is improving. Nearly half think the nation is already in a recession. Among those who disapprove of Trump, 39% still believe the economy is worsening, showing that pessimism cuts across party lines.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
Support for replacing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell with someone who would lower interest rates remains strong at 59%, with only 27% opposed. Even Democrats narrowly support the change, 47% to 33%, reflecting bipartisan frustration with high borrowing costs.
Economic Identity and the Tax Debate
When asked about Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” the new round of tax cuts passed in 2025, voters were divided. 42% viewed it as a tax cut, while 38% saw it as a spending bill. Overall, 47% support the legislation, and 42% oppose it. Support among Republicans and Trump voters exceeds 80%, while Democrats remain heavily opposed.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
The poll also finds broad ideological splits in economic interpretation. Among voters who consume right-leaning media like Fox News or Newsmax, 78% support the tax cuts. Among left-leaning media consumers, only 27% do.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
Voters continue to favor capitalism over socialism by a wide margin, 62% to 14%. Even among younger voters, capitalism holds majority support. Across party lines, 74% of Republicans, 59% of independents, and even 52% of Democrats say they prefer a free market to big government control.
The Media Silo Problem
McLaughlin’s findings confirm how fractured America’s media environment has become. 70% of voters report watching cable news weekly, split evenly between left- and right-leaning sources. 42% watch conservative outlets, another 42% watch liberal networks, and 28% watch little or no cable news.
These divisions are reshaping perception. Conservative viewers are more likely to believe the economy is recovering, while liberal viewers overwhelmingly believe it is deteriorating. Those who consume little or no news are the most pessimistic, with roughly 67% saying things are getting worse.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
For campaigns, this fragmentation poses a growing challenge. The messages that motivate partisan voters often fail to reach independents or the politically disengaged. Winning the middle now depends on breaking through both ideological and informational barriers.
Trump, Harris, and the 2028 Shadow
The survey also tested favorability for major political figures. Trump’s job approval remains stable at 51%, while Vice President Kamala Harris holds a 48% favorable and 47% unfavorable rating. Her numbers have improved slightly since summer, but remain split by gender and region.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
Looking ahead to the 2028 primaries, the Republican field is dominated by Senator J.D. Vance at 38%, followed by Donald Trump Jr. at 20%. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Marco Rubio each trail in the single digits. On the Democratic side, Harris leads with 25%, closely followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 22%. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sit far behind in the mid-single digits.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
These early results suggest the next political era may once again pit Trump’s populist coalition against a younger Democratic bloc led by Harris or Newsom.
A Voter Base Still Rooted in America First
Perhaps the clearest finding from the October poll is the continued strength of Trump’s America First message. 65% of voters agree that, while they may not share all of Trump’s views, his movement is right to prioritize America and its people. Among independents, 58% agree.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates Field Results for October
That sentiment highlights why Trump’s political movement continues to define the Republican Party’s identity. It also explains why Democrats have struggled to present an equally clear vision that resonates across income levels and regions.
Wrap Up
The October McLaughlin poll captures a nation that is skeptical, divided, and deeply aware of its economic struggles. Trump’s support remains stable because he continues to represent consistency and self-assurance in a volatile political climate. Republicans hold a modest edge in congressional support and maintain the confidence of working- and middle-class voters who view them as better equipped to handle inflation, taxes, and debt.
Heading into 2026, the central challenge for both parties will be breaking through the communication barriers created by polarized media. For Republicans, the opportunity lies in connecting their economic message to daily life—grocery costs, energy prices, mortgages, and wages. For Democrats, survival will depend on reframing optimism around progress that voters can actually feel.
The McLaughlin data shows that 55% of Americans feel their country is on the wrong path, but a majority still believe America’s best days can return. If campaigns can deliver authenticity and practical optimism rather than rhetoric, they will define the next two election cycles.
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