America's Fed Up No Trust, Sky-High Expectations for Washington!

A Crisis of Confidence: Americans Demand More from Government, Yet Trust in Both Parties Plummets

A recent CNN poll, conducted by SSRS, paints a concerning picture of the American political landscape. While a record-high share of Americans believe the government should be doing more to solve the nation's problems, a significant portion expresses a profound lack of faith in either the Republican or Democratic party to deliver.

The survey, taken in the early months of Donald Trump’s second administration, highlights a growing disconnect between the public's expectations and their perception of the parties' ability to meet those expectations. More than 4 in 10 respondents feel that neither party possesses the leadership or capacity to "get things done."

Increasingly Polarized, Yet Neither Party Inspires Confidence

The poll reveals a paradox: Americans increasingly recognize the vast differences between the Republican and Democratic visions for the country. A striking 81% acknowledge these important distinctions, a notable increase from just two years ago. However, this recognition hasn't translated into increased trust or support for either party.

Even among those who perceive significant differences, a considerable minority feels unrepresented. Nearly 20% of those who see clear distinctions between the parties still believe that neither reflects their views on at least 5 out of 9 key issues.

Key Findings at a Glance:

• Government Action: 58% of Americans want the government to do more to solve problems, a 30-year high.
• Party Effectiveness: Over 40% believe neither party can "get things done" or has strong leadership.
• Political Divide: 81% see important differences between Republicans and Democrats.
• GOP Advantage: Republicans are seen as having stronger leaders (40% vs. 16% for Democrats) and more capable of getting things done (36% vs. 19%).
• Independent Disillusionment: A staggering 76% of true independents feel neither party has strong leaders or can get things done.

Diminishing Trust in the American Dream

Beyond political affiliations, the poll also uncovers a concerning trend: a decline in belief in the attainability of the American Dream. Only 54% of Americans now believe that hard work and determination guarantee success, a significant drop from 67% in 2016.

This sentiment is particularly prevalent among:

• Black Americans (52%)
• Those under 30 (53%)
• Democrats (65%)
• Liberals (71%)

Shifting Perceptions on Key Issues

While the GOP still holds an advantage on issues like the economy, that lead is shrinking. Their margin on the economy has decreased from 15 points in May 2022 to just 7 points. A similar trend is observed on immigration, where their lead has narrowed from 14 points in November 2023 to 6 points.

Democrats, while holding a lead on issues like climate change and LGBTQ+ rights, are facing internal debates and questions about their messaging.

Concerns for Democracy

Perhaps most troubling is the widespread concern for the state of American democracy. Roughly half of Americans believe that democracy is under attack, with partisan divides significantly influencing these perceptions. A substantial 72% of Democrats view democracy as being in crisis, compared to only 29% of Republicans.

A Call for Leadership and Unity

The CNN poll serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing American politics. The public is demanding more from their government, yet trust in both parties is waning. To bridge this gap, leaders must prioritize unity, address pressing issues with effective solutions, and restore faith in the promise of the American Dream. The future of the nation hinges on the ability to overcome partisan divides and work towards a common goal of progress and prosperity for all.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/01/politics/cnn-poll-republicans-democrats