A record-high 73% of Americans say President Donald Trump isn’t addressing the country’s most important problems, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS released July 29, 2026, with just 27% saying he has the right priorities. The finding reflects deepening dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy and the ongoing military conflict with Iran, as his approval rating sinks to levels not seen since the end of his first term.
The poll, conducted July 23-27 among 1,225 U.S. adults, shows Trump’s priorities have become increasingly misaligned with public concerns. This represents a significant decline from February 2026, when 68% said he hadn’t paid enough attention to key issues—a 5-point further drop in just five months.
Broad majorities disapprove of Trump’s approach to the nation’s top challenges. Sixty-five percent say his policies have worsened economic conditions, while 67% believe his military decisions in Iran have hurt the United States. Seventy-four percent say the Iran war is not worth the toll in American lives and dollars, and 71% expect a long-term military conflict to continue.
On specific issues, Trump’s approval ratings are particularly weak. Just 28% approve of his handling of the Iran situation, 25% on inflation, and 21% on gas prices. Seventy-four percent of Americans say rising gas prices have caused them at least some hardship, up from 63% in March, as the conflict drives fuel costs higher.
Trump’s overall job approval rating stands at 34%, matching the career low he hit at the close of his first term following the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Half of Americans now strongly disapprove of him—a record high—while only 15% strongly approve. His approval among Republicans has hit a new low at 78%, and just 19% of Republicans express enthusiasm about the remainder of his second term, down from 38% last spring.
The poll reveals particular concern about Trump’s personal financial dealings and construction projects in Washington. Fifty-seven percent say it’s a bad thing that Trump earned more than $2 billion last year while serving as president, including income from cryptocurrency holdings and property investments. A 58% majority express dissatisfaction or anger about his construction projects in the nation’s capital, including a new White House ballroom and Reflecting Pool renovation. Only 43% of Republicans view these projects positively.
On the Iran war specifically, only 26% of Americans now think Trump has a clear plan for handling the situation, down from 33% in March. Sixty-two percent say Trump is not an effective world leader, up from 54% at the start of his second term. The deterioration in confidence reflects both the duration of the conflict and its economic consequences for ordinary Americans.
The erosion of support extends to Trump’s handling of other key areas. Just 39% approve of his immigration policies, and 35% approve of his management of the federal government. Following recent deadly ICE shootings, Americans say by a 20-point margin that the agency is making cities less safe. Amid a cyclospora outbreak and surge in measles cases, they say by a 34-point margin that changes to health agencies like the FDA and CDC are leaving the public less safe.
Only 27% of Americans say Trump is someone who puts the good of the country ahead of his personal gain, while about two-thirds say he does not. This perception undercuts his ability to build support for his policy agenda, even on issues where he has traditionally had stronger standing.
Sources
- CNN — Full CNN/SSRS poll results from July 23-27, 2026, including Trump’s approval ratings, views on priorities, Iran war, economic conditions, and construction projects
- SSRS — February 2026 CNN poll showing 68% said Trump hadn’t paid enough attention to priorities, for comparison
