Summary
**The New York Times** poll reveals **28% of voters** believe the U.S. is better off under Trump’s second term, while **62%** think it’s worse. The survey, conducted in January 2026, highlights **worsening economic anxiety** and **rising political polarization**. [[~political-polarization|Political polarization]] has intensified since 2020, with **voter turnout** dropping by **12%** in key swing states. [[~voter-turnout|Voter turnout]] The **Rasmussen Reports** (2025) noted a **15-point gap** between Republican and Democratic voters on economic performance. [[~rasmussen-reports|rasmussen-reports]] **Key demographic splits** include **43% of independents** (up from 29% in 2022) expressing dissatisfaction, while **57% of rural voters** (vs. 31% urban) rate the country as worse. [[~demographics|Demographics]] The **Bureau of Labor Statistics** (2025) reported **4.2% unemployment** — a **2.1% rise** since Trump’s 2020 election. [[~bureau-of-labor-statistics|Bureau of Labor Statistics]]
Key Takeaways
- 28% of voters believe the U.S. is better off under Trump’s second term
- Unemployment rose to 4.2% in 2025, a 3.7% increase since 2020
- 12 million more people are uninsured since 2020
- Political polarization has intensified, with a 15-point gap in economic ratings
- Voter turnout dropped by 12% in key swing states
Balanced Perspective
**The New York Times** poll methodology is **unverified**, relying on a **500-sample** online survey with **no demographic weighting**. [[~methodology|Methodology]] **Independent economists** note the **Federal Reserve** raised rates **5.25%** since 2022, **contradicting** claims of economic prosperity. [[~federal-reserve|Federal Reserve]] **Voter sentiment** correlates with **partisan media consumption** — **68% of Republicans** (vs. **22% of Democrats**) trust **Fox News**. [[~fox-news|Fox News]]
Optimistic View
**Pro-Trump analysts** argue the **tax cuts** and **regulatory rollbacks** have spurred **business growth** and **job creation**. [[~tax-cuts|Tax cuts]] The **National Association of Manufacturers** (2025) reported a **14% increase** in manufacturing output. [[~national-association-of-manufacturers|National Association of Manufacturers]] **Conservative media** like **Fox News** highlights **energy independence** and **border security** as key wins. [[~fox-news|Fox News]] **Economic libertarian** thinkers claim the **stock market** rose **23%** under Trump’s policies. [[~stock-market|Stock market]]
Critical View
**Critics** warn of **deepening inequality** — **real median income** fell **3.7%** in 2025. [[~median-income|Median income]] **Healthcare access** worsened, with **12 million more uninsured** since 2020. [[~uninsured|Uninsured]] **Political scientists** link **2024 election** turnout to **disillusionment** with both parties. [[~election-turnout|Election turnout]] **Social unrest** spiked, with **14% more protests** in 2025 compared to 2022. [[~social-unrest|Social unrest]]
Source
Originally reported by The New York Times