Opinion Today
September 23, 2025
U.S. Mood Subdued as Crime, Unity Concerns Rise Lydia Saad, Gallup Americans’ satisfaction with the country’s direction has dipped to its lowest level since Trump returned to office, driven largely by a decline among Republicans. Rising public concern about crime and national unity, both of which spiked this month, may be contributing to the slide. At the same time, confidence in the president and the economy has not shifted, underscoring that the dip in national mood is a reflection of other factors.
Republicans lose voters’ trust on the issues Eli Yokley & Cameron Easley, Morning Consult In terms of specific policy areas, it is President Trump’s worse week since he took office in January. Net approval of his handling of national security (-3), Medicare and Social Security (-9), taxes (-8) and LGBTQ+ rights (-15) are all at record lows. His net approval ratings on immigration (+4) and trade (-7) are tied for record lows. Similarly, we also find congressional Republicans experiencing one of their worst weeks on the issue front. More Consumers Expect Decreases in Federal Benefits, Higher Age to Claim Social Security Federal Reserve Bank of New York Average expectations of decreases in housing assistance, federal student aid, federal welfare benefits, and Medicare all continued their upward trend in August and reached new series highs. The average perceived likelihood of an increase in the age to claim Social Security benefits sharply increased to 44.3 percent, a series high.
Opinions of the EU remain mostly favorable across 25 countries Sneha Gubbala and Sofia Hernandez Ramones, Pew Research Center A median of 62% of adults across 25 surveyed countries say they have a favorable opinion of the EU. Another 32% have an unfavorable view of the organization, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in the spring.
Global Optimism Declines According to Ipsos Global Trends 9th Edition Jennifer Bender, Ipsos Global optimism has taken a hit in 2025 with a 7-point drop in citizens around the world feeling optimistic about themselves and about their community. MAHA: Americans and Health and Wellness Rachael Russell and Erica Seifert, Navigator Research This Navigator Research report covers the latest perceptions of health and wellness in the United States.
