Opinion Today
January 5, 2026
Americans Predict Challenging 2026 Across 13 Dimensions Megan Brenan, Gallup Americans head into 2026 expecting a difficult year, with majorities predicting negative outcomes across most economic, political and global measures, and only the stock market evoking optimism. Pessimism is heightened since last year and mainly reflects a decline in Republicans’ high expectations at the start of Trump’s second presidential term, though Republican supporters still largely believe good things will happen this coming year.
Americans Still Jittery Over Fate Of Social Security, But Can’t Agree On How To Fix It: I&I/TIPP Poll Terry Jones, tippinsights The end of the year is always a time for looking forward. For a large cohort of Americans, that means preparing for retirement and asking the inevitable question: “Can I rely on Social Security to pay the benefits I now expect when I quit working?” For roughly half, the answer is no, the I&I/TIPP Poll shows.
