A recent survey indicates shifting perceptions among Americans toward President Donald Trump's impact on the economy, immigration policy, and overall direction of the country. According to the NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released on Monday, March 3, 2025, 46 percent of respondents believe Trump is changing the U.S. economy for the worse, contrasting with 42 percent who feel he is steering it on a more favorable path. Notably, 11 percent of Americans felt Trump’s economic management has not led to any real change.
The survey was conducted just prior to Trump's announcement of tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Mexico, and Canada. This move reflects Trump's effort to reshape international trade relationships, yet many Americans remain skeptical of the overall impact.
Overall, 45 percent of respondents said they perceive Trump's leadership as leading the nation toward positive change, whereas 48 percent disagree, viewing it as detrimental. Around 7 percent believe there has been no substantial change at all. This nuanced view reflects the public's split opinion on Trump's governance.
On the immigration front, the survey suggests slightly more favorable views. Approximately 47 percent indicated they think Trump is making positive adjustments to U.S. immigration policy, compared to 43 percent who believe the opposite. Interestingly, about one-in-ten respondents felt there has been no notable change at all.
Concerns about foreign policy portray another layer of public discontent. The results revealed 49 percent of participants view Trump’s adjustments to U.S. foreign policy as negative, with only 44 percent expressing optimism. This skepticism may signal increasing uncertainty about America’s role on the global stage under Trump’s administration.
Indeed, as the poll continues to expose, 53 percent of U.S. adults characterized the current state of the union as 'not very strong' or 'strong at all.' A stark division among political affiliations emerges, with 74 percent of Democrats echoing this sentiment, as contrasted with only 23 percent of Republicans who share it. Interestingly, 47 percent of Americans still describe the country as 'very strong' or 'strong.'
Worryingly for the Trump administration, 54 percent of Americans expressed the belief the country is heading in the 'wrong' direction, though this figure offers slight improvement from three months prior, when 64 percent felt the same. Currently, 45 percent think America is moving on the right track, showcasing fluctuatory public sentiment over time.
The NPR/PBS News/Marist poll was executed between February 24 and 26, 2025, involving 1,694 U.S. adults and with a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points. When focused on the concerns of registered voters, this margin expanded slightly to three percentage points. The results reflect diverse and complex opinions, especially as the 2024 presidential election looms and economic issues take center stage.
This survey reflects broader themes of discontent and apprehension surrounding economic and foreign policies as Trump leads the nation toward potential policies outlined for the next election campaign. With upcoming decisions affecting tariffs, immigration policies, and international relations, the question looms: will these changes galvanize support or deepen public mistrust?
Public opinion continues to play a pivotal role as Trump navigates the myriad challenges of governance amid rising inflation and growing job concerns felt by many Americans. The intersection of these issues could very well determine the outcomes of the political climate leading up to the 2024 elections.
Only time will tell if President Trump can reverse the concerning trend of declining confidence expressed by constituents toward his policies and management of the nation. How he tactically addresses these pressing issues might define not only his legacy but also the future of political discourse as America moves forward.