As the United States adjusts to the early months of Donald Trump’s second presidency, a new CNN/SSRS poll reveals a striking paradox: more Americans than ever want their government to do more — yet fewer than ever trust either political party to deliver.

According to the nationwide survey, 58% of Americans now say the federal government should take a more active role in solving national problems, the highest level recorded in over 30 years of CNN polling. Yet over 40% of respondents say that neither the Democratic nor Republican Party is capable of getting things done or showing strong leadership.

Despite widespread dissatisfaction, most Americans still see meaningful differences between the two dominant parties. A record 81% say Republicans and Democrats offer distinct visions for the country, up from just 72% two years ago. However, one in five say that while they recognize these differences, neither party represents their views across key issues.

That disillusionment is even more intense among independents: 76% of self-identified independents say neither party has strong leaders, and 72% say neither can deliver real change.

While neither party has consolidated public confidence, the Republican Party currently holds an edge on leadership and effectiveness, with 40% of respondents identifying the GOP as having strong leaders, compared to just 16% for Democrats.

Yet this advantage is shadowed by a reputation problem: 41% of respondents describe the GOP as the “party of extremism”, compared to 30% who say the same of the Democrats. Even 16% of Republican voters say their party leans toward extremism.

On key issues like crime, taxation, and the federal budget, Republicans maintain a narrow but consistent lead. However, their traditional edge on the economy has shrunk considerably — from 15 points in 2022 to just 7 points today. On immigration, a former GOP stronghold, the margin has narrowed to just 6 points.

The survey also reveals deeper cultural unease. Just 54% of Americans now believe that hard work guarantees success, down from 67% in 2016. That skepticism is more pronounced among Black Americans (52%), young people under 30 (53%), and Democrats (65%).

A growing share of the public also feels neither party represents the middle class — now up to 38% among those disillusioned with the idea of merit-based success.

While Democrats maintain an edge on social issues like abortion rights, education, race, and LGBTQ+ rights, their lead is softening. On abortion, 36% now say it should always be legal, up from 2016, but the Democratic lead on the issue has dropped from 16 to 10 points since late 2023.

The party’s strongest margin is on climate change, where Democrats lead Republicans by 14 points. Still, concern about climate risks is down slightly, with 58% saying they’re at least somewhat worried, compared to 63% last year.

Perhaps most strikingly, half of Americans say democracy in the U.S. is “under attack”, while another 36% believe it’s being tested. Only 13% believe it’s not at risk.

Views on democracy have become sharply divided along partisan lines. 72% of Democrats see the system as in crisis — compared to only 29% of Republicans, a reversal from the Biden presidency, when Republicans were more likely to voice concern.

This latest data paints a picture of a politically fractured nation: eager for government solutions, but increasingly distrustful of the institutions and leaders meant to provide them. With neither party enjoying majority confidence, and younger, more diverse voters voicing growing skepticism about the American Dream, the United States faces a crisis not just of leadership, but of belief in its own promise.


By WafricNews Desk.