A new national poll is turning heads after revealing a surprising shift in how Americans view President Donald Trump’s second-term policies — and the results show a nation deeply divided.
According to an AP-NORC survey conducted July 10–14, nearly half of Americans (49%) say Trump’s policies have hurt them, while 27% believe they’ve been helped, and 22% say they’ve noticed no change. The poll sampled 1,437 adults with a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points.
But a closer look at the data tells a far more complex—and revealing—story.
Conservatives Stand By Trump’s Bold Agenda
Among Republican voters, 55% say Trump’s policies are benefiting them, a clear sign that the America First agenda still resonates strongly with the conservative base. Only 15% felt negatively impacted, and 30% said they hadn’t seen a significant difference—meaning over 85% of Republicans are either satisfied or unaffected by his leadership.
That’s in stark contrast to Democrats, 81% of whom say they’ve been harmed by Trump’s actions—a figure more reflective of partisan politics than policy outcomes. Just 4% of Democrats said Trump’s policies helped them, and 14% noticed no difference.
Independents Send Mixed Signals
Among independents, the numbers were more evenly spread:
- 53% believe Trump’s policies have hurt them
- 22% saw no change
- Only 20% reported a benefit
This group could become the deciding factor in the next election cycle, and President Trump’s team is likely to focus heavily on winning them over with continued economic and border security reforms.
Trump Still Seen As a Strong Leader
Despite the mixed policy opinions, President Trump maintains a strong image as a leader. Nearly 60% of Americans said he’s “capable of getting things done,” a key metric that often determines voter confidence.
However, just 42% felt he truly understands their personal struggles, revealing an area where the administration may need to bridge the gap through more direct communication with working-class families and retirees.
Approval numbers on key issues showed a similar trend:
- 43% support Trump’s immigration efforts — a drop from March’s 49%, likely due to ongoing media attacks and activist opposition.
- 40% approve of his economic performance, despite persistent inflation concerns and global instability.
The Bottom Line
President Trump continues to fight an uphill battle—not against the American people, but against entrenched political opposition and relentless media bias. The data shows his conservative base remains loyal, and many voters still view him as a leader who takes action.
With the 2026 elections approaching, all eyes will be on how Trump’s policies continue to shape the economy, border security, and American sovereignty.