By Trendsetter Tribune 
WASHINGTON — On the eve of his first official State of the Union address of his second term, President Donald Trump is facing a wave of public skepticism. According to a new CNN/SSRS poll released today, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, only 32% of Americans believe the President has the “right priorities” for the country, while 68% say he has not paid enough attention to the nation’s most pressing problems.
The poll, conducted as a “temperature check” before tonight’s high-stakes speech, highlights a deepening divide as the administration pushes forward with its aggressive “America First” agenda.
The “State of the Union” Poll Numbers
The findings from the CNN/SSRS poll, coupled with a simultaneous NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, paint a picture of an electorate increasingly worried about the direction of the country.
- Job Approval: Trump’s overall job approval rating has dipped to 36% among all adults.
- The Independent Slump: Crucially, his approval among independents has hit a new low of 26%.
- The Direction of the Country: 61% of respondents said the administration’s policies are moving the country in the “wrong direction,” while 60% told Marist pollsters the country is “worse off” than it was a year ago.
- Demographic Shifts: The data shows a significant “erosion of support” among Latino Americans (a 19-point drop) and voters under age 45 (an 18-point drop) over the last twelve months.
What Americans Want to Hear Tonight
Despite the President’s focus on immigration and government reform, the polling suggests a disconnect between the White House’s “check list” and the concerns of the average household.
| Issue | Public Sentiment |
| The Economy | Overwhelmingly cited as the #1 priority. Voters want to hear about affordability and the “cost of living” crisis. |
| Checks & Balances | 68% of Americans believe the system of checks and balances is “not working well,” reflecting anxiety over recent executive orders. |
| Threat to Democracy | A staggering 78% of respondents (including 61% of Republicans) say they see a “serious threat” to the future of American democracy. |
| Tariffs | Following the Feb 20 Supreme Court ruling that struck down his sweeping trade policy, Trump is expected to pitch a new 15% global tariff tonight—a move currently disapproved of by 60% of the public. |
Tonight’s Preview: “The Spirit of 1776”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this morning that the State of the Union address will center on two primary themes: affordability and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
- American Heroes: The President will reportedly share stories of “American heroes” who exemplify the “spirit of 1776.”
- The “Affordability” Pivot: Expect a heavy focus on the administration’s efforts to lower energy costs and the “DOGE” (Department of Government Efficiency) initiatives led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
- The Counter-Program: At least 30 Democratic lawmakers have announced they will skip the speech in favor of a separate event featuring Governor Abigail Spanberger, who will deliver the official Democratic response.
The “Base” remains Solid
Despite the dismal numbers among the general public, the President’s core supporters remain fiercely loyal. 82% of Republicans told pollsters the country is “better off” than it was a year ago, ensuring that the President will likely double down on his signature policies rather than pivoting to the center.
“The President is going to share a vision of an America that is stronger, safer, and more affordable than the one he inherited… he is focused on the results, not the rigged polls.” — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary