According to surveys conducted by CNN and CNBC, over half of Americans are optimistic about a second term for Donald Trump. More than half of the U.S. public appears to be hopeful about the incoming Trump administration, particularly trusting in his economic, Ukraine war, and immigration policies. However, there is significant skepticism regarding his core promise of raising tariffs.
Results released on the 15th from a CNN poll, conducted by SSRS from the 5th to the 8th with approximately 1,000 American adults (with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points), indicated that 52% of respondents described themselves as “enthusiastic” or “optimistic” about the upcoming Trump administration. Similarly, a CNBC poll during the same period (with a ±3.1 percentage point margin of error) found that 54% of respondents felt “comfortable and ready to support” Trump’s second term.
This optimism is largely attributed to expectations for economic improvement. A young woman from New Jersey expressed her hope for change, stating that despite disagreements with many of Trump’s words and actions, the post-pandemic economy is not what it used to be, and she looked forward to him revitalizing the economy and reminding Americans of their core values.
The confidence in Trump’s policies extends beyond the economy. 65% of respondents expressed trust in his economic policies. Furthermore, 62% had confidence in his handling of the Ukraine war, 60% in immigration policies, 59% in demonstrating true national leadership, 55% in foreign policies, 54% in responsibly exercising presidential authority, and another 54% in his administrative appointments.
However, skepticism arises concerning Trump’s plan to raise tariffs. In the CNBC survey, 42% opposed the tariff increase, while only 27% supported it. Similarly, only 26% backed his announced plan to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, while 50% disapproved.
CNBC noted that while Trump’s second term has received a green light from most Americans, warning signals remain over certain issues like tariff increases and the potential pardons related to the Capitol riot, which could hinder his administration. If Trump proceeds with his announced tariff hikes and tax cuts, it could exacerbate inflation, distancing economic policies from current positive expectations. The Wall Street Journal reported that company executives are lobbying for easing or withdrawing tariff increases, but Trump remains firm in his stance.
CNN highlighted that 48% of respondents were “pessimistic” or “worried” about the Trump administration, underlining how deeply divided American public opinion is. CNBC also noted that American views on Trump’s potential second term are even more polarized than during his first term.