As 2025 draws to a close, Americans are reflecting on a year marked by persistent government challenges and economic concerns. The country has been grappling with the aftermath of the longest federal government shutdown in history, leading to a significant decline in public sentiment.
Gloomy Outlook for Americans
Recent surveys indicate a bleak approval landscape for congressional leaders. Gallup’s poll from December 1-15 reveals a mere 17% approval rating for Congress overall. This dissatisfaction reflects sharp partisan divisions: 37% of Republicans approve of Congress, but only 6% of Democrats and 12% of independents share this sentiment.
Approval Ratings
- Approval rating for Democrats in Congress: 24%
- Approval rating for Republicans in Congress: 29%
- Overall approval of Congress: 17%
- Historical low in November 2013: 9%
The data shows a stark contrast in party loyalty. About 69% of Republicans support their representatives, compared to just 49% of Democrats who approve of their party members in Congress. This trend marks the lowest level of satisfaction measured for congressional Democrats by Gallup since they began tracking in 2020.
Pessimism About the Country’s Direction
More troubling, only 24% of Americans express satisfaction with the way things are going in the country. This statistic has not changed since November and is a steep decline from May, when 38% reported satisfaction. With a significant 74% dissatisfied, public sentiment has reached a notable low as the year ends.
Economic Confidence Declines
Rapidly worsening economic evaluations contribute to the sour mood. The Gallup Economic Confidence Index stands at -33, highlighting a steep decline from October’s figures. Here are some key insights:
- 47% of Americans rate current economic conditions as “poor.”
- Only 21% believe conditions are “excellent” or “good.”
- 31% consider economic conditions to be “fair.”
- 68% anticipate worsening economic conditions.
Concerns over inflation and the economy generally have now emerged as the most pressing issue for 35% of respondents, up from 24% in prior months. Inflation specifically is cited by 11% of individuals, illustrating growing economic anxiety.
Political Leadership Ratings
Approval for key political figures also reflects a climate of dissatisfaction. Donald Trump has a job approval rating of 36%, bolstered largely by Republican support. However, other leaders fail to achieve majority approval, with many ratings remaining under 40%.
Key Approval Ratings
- Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell: 44%
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: 41%
- Senate Republican Leader John Thune: 34%
- Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer: 28%
The willingness of Republicans to support their own leaders contrasts sharply with Democrat sentiments towards Schumer, whose approval rating has declined significantly from 76% two years ago to just 39% now.
A Fractured Political Climate
As the year concludes, Americans face a tumultuous political environment characterized by dissatisfaction with leadership and economic conditions. The overarching mood leads to a gloomy outlook for the future, reflecting deep-rooted concerns regarding political effectiveness and economic stability as the nation heads toward 2026.
