Poll Reveals Americans' Concerns Ahead of Trump's State of the Union Address

As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his first official State of the Union address of his second term, a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll indicates that a majority of Americans perceive the state of the union as weak. The survey, conducted from January 27 to January 30, 2026, reveals that 57% of respondents believe the country is not strong, a 4-point increase from the previous year. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Democrats, with 80% expressing dissatisfaction, while approximately two-thirds of independents share this view. Conversely, about 75% of Republicans maintain that the state of the union is strong.

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The poll highlights a significant shift in public opinion regarding Trump's policies. Sixty percent of respondents feel that the country is worse off than it was a year ago, with 55% indicating that the direction Trump is taking the nation represents a "change for the worse." This marks the highest recorded dissatisfaction during both of Trump's terms. Among those surveyed, 53% report that Trump's policies have had a mostly negative impact on their personal lives, an increase from 49% in April 2025. Notably, 85% of Democrats and 58% of independents report negative personal impacts, while 69% of Republicans claim to have benefited from these policies.

Marist PollNPR

The poll also reveals widespread anxiety about the future of American democracy. A striking 78% of respondents perceive a serious threat to democracy, with majorities across political affiliations—91% of Democrats, 80% of independents, and 61% of Republicans—expressing concern. Additionally, 68% believe that the system of checks and balances among the president, Congress, and the courts is not functioning effectively, reflecting a broader decline in trust in governmental institutions.

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The survey indicates notable demographic divides in perceptions of the state of the union. Women are 12 points more likely than men to view the union as weak (63% vs. 51%). Furthermore, educational attainment plays a significant role; 69% of college graduates believe the state of the union is not strong, while opinions among those without degrees are evenly split.

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Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist University Institute for Public Opinion, commented on the challenges facing Trump, stating, "It's a big opportunity for him to try to reset with the nation, but it's a tall order when views about him are so baked in." The poll's findings suggest that while Trump's base remains supportive, he faces significant challenges in appealing to persuadable voters.

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• “a big opportunity for him to try to reset with the nation, but it's a tall order when views about him are so baked in.” — Lee Miringoff, Director, Marist University Institute for Public Opinion

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This poll underscores the complex landscape of American public opinion as Trump approaches his State of the Union address, highlighting significant concerns regarding his policies and the state of democracy in the United States.

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