---
title: What the CNN-SSRS 2025 Poll Reveals About American Distrust in Both Parties
description: With a divided electorate and dwindling faith in political leadership, new data reveals a nation on the verge of institutional disillusionment. 
---

[Campaign Now | Grassroots Movement Blog ](https://www.campaignnow.com/blog)

# [What the CNN-SSRS 2025 Poll Reveals About American Distrust in Both Parties](https://www.campaignnow.com/blog/what-the-cnn-ssrs-2025-poll-reveals-about-american-distrust-in-both-parties)

 Written by [John Connors](https://www.campaignnow.com/blog/author/john-connors) | Jun 16, 2025 8:22:08 PM

*With a divided electorate and dwindling faith in political leadership, new data reveals a nation on the verge of institutional disillusionment. *

**

### **What to Know:**

- **43%** of Americans say neither party has strong leadership; only **16%** say Democrats do, while **40%** credit Republicans.
- Although Republicans still poll better on crime, immigration, and the economy, their lead is quickly diminishing.
- Democrats edge out Republicans on abortion, education, and climate but fail to convince voters they can deliver results.
- **44%** say neither party is capable of getting anything done in Washington.
- Independents now make up **44%** of the electorate and are the most disillusioned bloc of all.

A sweeping new [CNN poll conducted by SSRS](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email) from May 5-26, 2025, confirms what many Americans already feel: the two-party system is failing to inspire, represent, or deliver. With a nationally representative sample of **2,539** adults, the study found an overwhelming lack of trust in both Democrats and Republicans. The defining characteristic of today's political landscape is not so much division as it is detachment.

*Screenshot from the CNN-SSRS 2025 Political Benchmarking Poll methodology overview. Source: *[*CNN Poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

A staggering **43% **of Americans say that neither party has strong leadership. Just **16%** credit the Democratic Party with strong leaders, while **40% **assign that title to the GOP. A significant **44%** of respondents believe that neither of the major political parties is capable of effectively governing. Widespread dissatisfaction exists regarding both major political parties' capacity to produce meaningful outcomes. This sentiment acts as a stark caution regarding the current state of American democracy.

### Who Americans Are and How They Were Polled

To better understand the mood of the nation, [CNN commissioned a nationwide survey](https://ssrs.com/news/cnn-poll-a-record-share-of-americans-want-the-government-to-get-more-done-few-trust-either-party-to-do-it/) conducted by the independent research firm [SSRS](https://ssrs.com/) from May 5 to 26, 2025. The poll used a dual methodology to ensure a broad and inclusive sample, combining address-based sampling with random digit dialing to reach adults across the country.

*Image generated by DALL-E*

Most participants, totaling** 2,028**, were contacted through household mailings and invited to complete the survey online or by phone. An additional **511** respondents were reached by targeting prepaid cell phone users, a group often missed by traditional polling techniques.

In total, **2,539** adults took part in the survey, completing it in either English or Spanish. The political breakdown of respondents reflected a changing electorate: **27**% identified as Democrats, **28% **as Republicans, and **44%** as independents or affiliated with other parties. With a margin of error of plus or minus **2.7 **percentage points, the poll presents a reliable snapshot of national sentiment. 

*Source: *[*CNN Poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Most importantly, the findings suggest that distrust in America’s political system is not confined to one party or one group. It stretches across lines of age, race, education, and ideology, revealing a widespread and bipartisan crisis of confidence.

### News Engagements Are Politically Aware, But Disillusioned

Americans are paying attention. According to the [poll,](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email) nearly** ⅔** of respondents, or **63%**, say they follow politics closely, either by actively seeking out news or by keeping up with major developments as they unfold. This level of engagement shows that the public is not tuning out. People are involved. They are reading, watching, and listening.

*Source: *[*CNN/SSRS*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

**81% **of respondents say that Democrats and Republicans have important differences. Voters clearly recognize the divide. But that recognition does not come with enthusiasm or approval. Instead, there is a growing sense that the system is broken. People may understand where each party stands, but fewer and fewer believe either one is capable of real leadership. 

### A Split Nation on Government’s Role

Americans remain divided over how much responsibility the government should take in addressing national problems. According to the [CNN-SSRS poll](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email), **58%** of respondents believe the federal government should do more to solve the country's challenges. Meanwhile, **41%** think it is already doing too much and should step back in favor of individual and private action. The split aligns closely with ideological and demographic lines. 

*Source: *[*CNN/SSRS*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Democrats, younger adults, and people of color are more likely to favor increased government involvement, while Republicans, older voters, and White respondents tend to support a more limited role. This division is not new, but it remains a fundamental fault line in American politics, reflecting conflicting visions of responsibility, self-reliance, and fairness.

### The American Dream Questioned

Belief in the traditional American promise—that hard work leads to success—is weakening. Only **54%** of Americans say that most people who work hard can get ahead, a sharp decline from **67%** in 2016. This drop signals increasing skepticism about upward mobility and the fairness of the economic system. 

*Source: *[*CNN/SSRS*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

The divide here is also strongly partisan. Among Republicans, **76%** say hard work pays off, as do **72%** of conservatives. Among Democrats, only **35%** share that belief, and among liberals, the number drops to **29%**. The disparity suggests that confidence in the American Dream has become as ideological as it is economic.

### Diversity and Culture

Most Americans still believe diversity is a strength, but that support is slipping. The poll found that **72%** of respondents believe the growing racial and ethnic diversity of the population enriches American culture, down from **82%** in 2019. The partisan contrast is stark. Among Democrats, **90%** say diversity is enriching. Among Republicans, only **49%** agree, while **48%** of GOP respondents see increased diversity as a threat. 

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Education and race also shape these views. **83%** of college graduates and **77%** of people of color view diversity positively, compared to lower levels among non-college graduates and White respondents. What once seemed like common ground has become a cultural flashpoint.

### Abortion Views

Public opinion on abortion continues to shift toward broader access, though not without limits. The survey shows that **36%** of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all circumstances, while another **15%** support legality in most cases. On the more restrictive side, **35%** say it should only be legal in a few circumstances, and **12%** believe it should be illegal in all cases. 

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Combined, **51%** support abortion being legal in all or most situations, while **47%** support significant restrictions or total bans. These figures reflect a country still divided, but one where a narrow majority now leans toward reproductive freedom, especially among younger, college-educated, and left-leaning voters.

### Democracy Under Threat

Americans are alarmed about the state of their democracy. The poll found that **49%** believe democracy is under attack, while another **36%** say it is being tested but not in danger. Just **13%** believe democracy is safe. Partisan and age divides shape this view dramatically. Among Democrats, **72%** say democracy is under attack, while only **29%** of Republicans agree. In contrast, nearly half of Republican respondents think the system is being tested but will endure, and **22%** see no real threat at all.

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Older voters are much more likely to express concern, with **61%** of those over 65 believing democracy is under attack, compared to only **44%** of adults under 30. The numbers paint a picture of a nation not just politically divided but fundamentally unsure whether its system can survive.

### Climate Change

Concern about climate change remains widespread, though far from universal. According to the poll, **58%** of Americans are worried about the effects of climate change in their community, including **26%** who are very worried and **32%** who are somewhat worried. As with many issues, views diverge sharply along party lines. Among Democrats, **85%** express concern, while only **28%** of Republicans do. 

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Demographic splits further illustrate the divide. **67%** of people of color and **64%** of younger Americans say they are worried, compared to **54%** of White respondents and **56%** of older adults. These numbers suggest that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a generational, racial, and ideological dividing line.

### Whose Views Are Closer

When asked which political party reflects their views on key national issues, many Americans are not picking sides. Across a broad set of policy questions, a significant portion of the public consistently chose [*“Neither party,”*](https://lsd.law/define/neither-party) highlighting just how disconnected voters feel from both major political platforms.

On crime and policing, **40%** of respondents said the Republican Party’s views aligned most with their own, while **27%** identified with the Democratic Party. But nearly one-third of Americans, **31%**, rejected both. The same trend holds on immigration, where **39%** favored the GOP, **33%** leaned Democratic, and **27%** said neither party represents them. 

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Even on the economy, long considered the Republican Party’s stronghold, support is fractured. **38%** aligned with Republican views, **31%** with Democrats, and **30%** said neither side speaks for them.

On abortion, the numbers shift slightly in Democrats’ favor. **39%** of Americans said their views on abortion align more closely with Democrats, compared to **29%** with Republicans. Still, **30%** chose neither party. Education sees a similar pattern. **41%** sided with the Democratic Party’s approach, **34%** with Republicans, while **24%** said neither. And on climate change, **39%** again favored the Democratic position, but only **25%** supported the GOP. A full **34%** said neither party reflected their beliefs on the issue.

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

These results reveal a troubling pattern. On almost every major topic, a sizable bloc of Americans—often a quarter to a third—does not feel represented by either party. In several cases, “Neither party” performs better than the runner-up. That level of detachment is not just a polling quirk. It is a signal that the two-party system is no longer capturing the political identities or policy priorities of a growing share of the electorate.

### How Americans Describe the Parties

Americans are not impressed with either major party’s character or competence. When asked which party has strong leaders, only **16%** pointed to Democrats and **40%** to Republicans, while a larger share, **43%**, said neither party shows strong leadership. The same trend holds when it comes to getting things done: **36%** chose Republicans, **19%** chose Democrats, and **44%** again said neither. On economic representation, **34%** called Democrats the party of the middle class, **32%** said Republicans, and **33%** rejected both. 

 

*Screenshot from *[*CNN/SSRS poll*](https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25957941/cnn-poll-june-1.pdf?utm_campaign=C%26E%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kn02dqL6f5P8Z6USV1KseKQMiAmBdlvr5Ofi7zTM5h2SgCzmO2ncEahs34qKNL-B3pVBb7qb_Gyg7JBjZzoqsUGFqAt6JGCOOXx2ZoW5mxL9TfqQ&_hsmi=364450232&utm_content=364450232&utm_source=hs_email)

Even on the question of which party represents change, just **32%** picked the GOP and **25%** the Democrats, while **42%** said neither—down from **56%** who gave that label to Democrats back in 2006. The only category where "neither" doesn’t dominate is extremism, where **41%** called Republicans the extreme party, **30%** said Democrats, and **27%** said neither. These responses paint a clear picture: voters are not just frustrated with policy. They see both parties as lacking the leadership, effectiveness, and vision to govern.

### Wrap Up

With **44%** of Americans identifying as independents and majorities saying neither party shows strong leadership nor can get things done, the cracks in the two-party system are no longer subtle. They are structural. This is not just about policy preferences. It is about legitimacy, relevance, and whether Americans still believe the current system serves them at all.

The public is engaged but fed up, politically informed but ideologically homeless. On nearly every major issue—from crime and immigration to climate and education—a sizable share of Americans choose “neither party” as the one that represents them. That level of detachment signals something larger than low approval ratings. It points to a democratic vacuum.

If Democrats and Republicans continue to talk past the public or cater only to their extremes, they risk becoming institutions of habit rather than vehicles of change. The question now is not who wins the next election. It is who, if anyone, still believes the system is worth participating in. Because what this poll ultimately shows is not just polarization. It shows a country drifting away from the political order it once accepted as inevitable.

[View full post](https://www.campaignnow.com/blog/what-the-cnn-ssrs-2025-poll-reveals-about-american-distrust-in-both-parties)

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