The Biden administration’s tenure has left many Americans disillusioned. Rising inflation, a border crisis, and an administration out of touch with everyday citizens have created a national malaise. But with Donald Trump poised to begin his second term, Americans are looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope — and change.
A new CNN poll highlights this growing optimism. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans (56%) believe Trump will do a “very good” or “fairly good” job as president during his second term. While 43% remain skeptical, these numbers underscore a critical shift: after years of declining confidence under Biden, a significant portion of the nation is optimistic about the future because Trump will be in charge soon.
As you can imagine, economic prospects under a Trump presidency are fueling much of the hope. A majority of respondents — 56% — expect economic conditions to improve in the coming year.
That optimism comes despite overwhemingly negative coverage of Trump’s planned tariff wars with countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, aimed at tackling issues like fentanyl trafficking and unfair trade practices. With 80% of respondents believing these tariffs are likely to happen, there’s a clear expectation that Trump’s America-first trade policies will reassert U.S. strength on the global stage.
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Border security is another area where Trump’s plans have struck a chord. According to the poll, 58% of Americans believe it’s likely he will successfully seal the southern border, and 74% think he’ll follow through on his promise of mass deportations for illegal immigrants without permanent legal status. For many, this is the hope of restoring order after years of chaos at the border — a solid rejection of the Democrats’ rhetoric that Trump’s immigration policies are racist.
Of course, not everyone shares the optimism. A slim majority — 53% — see Republican control of the White House, Senate, and House as “bad” for the country. These concerns highlight the deep political divides that Trump will need to navigate as he charts his course.
But if the Biden years taught us anything, it’s that unity doesn’t come from pandering to the radical left; it comes from delivering results that benefit all Americans. Biden failed to do that, but Americans think Trump can.
Another telling part of the poll is that 55% of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of the presidential transition, a sign that his decisive approach resonates with many voters. Trump’s favorability ratings remain sharply divided, with 46% viewing him positively and 48% unfavorably, but these figures haven’t dimmed the anticipation for what’s to come. After all, it’s not just about Trump’s personality — it’s about his policies.
In the end, the numbers tell a compelling story. Despite the critics, Americans see hope in Trump’s return to the Oval Office. He’s offering something tangible — economic renewal, secure borders, and policies that put America first.
That’s why Trump isn’t just a president. He’s the new “hope and change” president, delivering on promises that resonate where it matters most: improving the lives of everyday Americans.
