There’s no denying it’s been a trying few years. Americans are as divided as ever, and, let’s face it, the economy is still garbage. Despite the economic hardship and being on the heels of a bitterly fought presidential election, Americans are surprisingly optimistic about the future. And much of that optimism is tied directly to the election of Donald Trump.
According to a recent CBS News/YouGov poll, a solid majority of Americans—57%—attribute their hopeful outlook for 2025 to the incoming Trump administration.
“Among those who say they're generally hopeful about 2025, their top reason is that Donald Trump will be president,” reports CBS News. “His upcoming presidency ranks even higher among things making them feel hopeful about 2025 than their outlook for their own personal relationships and finances.”
This sentiment underscores the growing belief that Trump’s leadership could be the catalyst for meaningful change in the nation’s trajectory.
Overall, 85% of Republicans, 49% of Independents, and even 38% of Democrats report feeling hopeful about the coming year. It’s a remarkable shift considering the nation’s challenges: inflation, economic uncertainty, and concerns about personal finances. These struggles have taken a toll, with only 40% of Americans rating the economy as “good,” while 54% view it as being in bad shape. Yet, despite these hardships, a majority see reasons to look forward, not backward.
Recommended: Did You Have 'CIA Docs Say There Was Life on Mars' on Your Bingo Card?
The optimism isn’t solely about politics. Family and personal relationships inspire hope in 55% of respondents, while 51% find encouragement in the economy, their personal finances, and opportunities. This shows that Americans still recognize the importance of personal resilience and the strength of their communities. However, it’s Trump’s promise of change that looms largest in the national consciousness.
Opinions on Trump’s potential impact on the economy are mixed but telling. Forty percent of Americans expect him to lower food and grocery prices, while 36% fear further increases, and 24% anticipate no change. These figures highlight the high stakes for the incoming administration. Americans are deeply concerned about inflation, with an overwhelming 96% identifying it as a significant problem. Economic uncertainty (80%) and personal financial struggles (75%) further illustrate the challenges Trump must tackle to meet these expectations.
Of course, it’s on Trump and the new Republican majority to follow through in cleaning up the mess that is about to be left by the Biden-Harris administration. Addressing inflation, economic recovery, crime, and education will be critical, not just for earning public trust but also for securing long-term political gains. The GOP has a chance to show voters they can govern effectively, which could solidify their position in future elections.
Of course, the optimism for the future is not universal. The poll found that 23% of Americans are discouraged about the next year, and that 85% of those discouraged about 2025 give Trump being president as their top reason.
I have no sympathy for them. These are the people who likely claimed that Biden's economy was great and still believe that Biden created more than 15 million jobs.
The bottom line here is that Donald Trump’s election has undeniably shifted the national mood. It has given most Americans a renewed sense of purpose and belief that positive change is possible. While challenges abound, Trump and the Republican Party have the tools to make the most of this moment. The real test will be whether they can turn hope into lasting progress.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member