For quite some time, I’ve been maintaining that Donald Trump’s second term feels remarkably different from his first. Recent polling data confirms that this presidency is diverging significantly from the last three as well.
Remember Joe Biden’s grand campaign promise to be a president for all Americans? What a laugh! He swiftly pivoted to governing with a radical leftist agenda, leaving half the country feeling alienated. In contrast, Trump is stepping into the role that Biden claimed to personify — one that resonates powerfully with everyday Americans from all walks of life.
A new analysis of Rasmussen Reports polling data shows that Americans’ optimism about the country’s direction has reached its highest level in years under President Trump’s leadership. The polling average for the “right direction” metric, which measures public sentiment on the nation’s trajectory, currently sits at 45% in 2024 — significantly higher than in past election years.
How huge is this? Let’s compare. This same measure stood at just 29% during both of Barack Obama’s election years in 2008 and 2012. Under Trump in 2016, it rose to 37%, before dipping to 32% when Biden was elected in 2020. Now, as Trump seeks a return to the White House, public confidence in the nation’s path is at its strongest level in over a decade, according to Rasmussen’s tracking.
AVERAGE RIGHT DIRECTION
— Mark Mitchell, Rasmussen Reports (@honestpollster) February 24, 2025
(by president)
Obama 2008 - 29%
Obama 2012 - 29%
Trump 2016 - 37%
Biden 2020 - 32%
Trump 2024 (so far) - 45% https://t.co/b23KUAHWTO
So what accounts for this revitalized optimism? Isn’t it obvious? The latest Harvard CAPS/Harris poll gives us all the clues we need.
As PJ Media’s Sarah Anderson reported, the poll shows widespread support for Trump and his agenda. Voters seem to be craving the policies that Trump represents, and the numbers are revealing. A whopping 81% of respondents support deporting criminal illegal immigrants. This reflects a strong, clear stance on immigration that many Americans have been yearning for.
Furthermore, 76% favor efforts to root out fraud and waste in government operations and also support enhanced border security measures to keep the borders closed. It's about time someone took immigration control seriously. After four years of Biden claiming that there was no border crisis, Americans wanted someone to take the problem seriously.
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A strong majority of Americans support common-sense policies, with 69% opposing men in women’s sports and 68% affirming the government’s recognition of only two genders — a pushback against radical left-wing ideology. Merit-based principles also hold favor, as 65% want to end race-based hiring.
On fiscal matters, 63% support freezing and reviewing foreign aid, while 59% favor cutting already approved government spending. Economic nationalism is gaining traction, with broad support for reciprocal tariffs and direct negotiations with Russia. Energy independence remains a priority, as 57% favor new offshore drilling.
These polling results paint a positive picture for the Trump administration, which has accomplished a tremendous amount in just a month. Trump is paying attention to the American people and delivering what they want. These are the issues he ran on and what Americans voted for him to do. This responsiveness is why there’s a swell of positive feelings about the direction of the country. The contrasts with previous administrations couldn’t be more stark, and as we move forward, it’s evident that America is ready for Trump to make America great again.
