As the transfer of power in Washington, D.C. approaches next month, American views on politics, the economy, and societal issues are expected to undergo significant changes. A recent CBS News poll indicates that Americans are more hopeful about 2025 than they were for 2024, with the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump being a primary source of this optimism. Many Republicans express hope for the future, while Democrats often feel discouraged for the same reason [ff37a2bf].
Current Gallup data reveals that top concerns for Americans include immigration, inflation, and perceptions of poor government leadership [e5560bf1]. Trump's key policy priorities are anticipated to focus on illegal immigration, inflation control, energy independence, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict [e5560bf1]. Economic sentiment remains mixed, with inflation and rising prices significantly influencing public views [ff37a2bf]. Trump's policies are believed by more Americans to potentially lower grocery prices and drive technological advancements [ff37a2bf].
Public trust in mass media has reached a record low, with only 31% of Americans expressing trust in 2024 [e5560bf1]. Additionally, healthcare access and costs are expected to be hot topics, particularly following the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson [e5560bf1]. Social media reactions to Thompson's death indicate that majorities find positive reactions to the incident unacceptable [ff37a2bf].
In terms of foreign relations, Americans' views on Israel and Palestine are set to be updated in February 2025, reflecting ongoing shifts in public sentiment [e5560bf1]. Federal agencies, including the IRS and the Department of Veterans Affairs, are receiving low ratings, and Congress has maintained a job approval rating below 20% for the past 18 months [e5560bf1]. The Supreme Court's approval stands at 44%, with only 30% of Americans expressing high confidence in the institution [e5560bf1].
Interestingly, Americans' views on foreign trade shifted positively during Trump's first term, while trends indicate a decline in religiosity and American pride, which dropped to 41% in 2024 [e5560bf1]. Other societal issues include fluctuating support for transgender rights, a leveling off of support for gay rights, and a doubling of marijuana usage over the past decade [e5560bf1]. Satisfaction with K-12 education remains low, and interest in electric vehicles is declining [e5560bf1].
As the new year approaches, over a third of Americans plan to make New Year's resolutions, primarily focused on health [ff37a2bf]. As these trends evolve, updates will be provided throughout 2025, offering insights into how public opinion will shape the political landscape in the coming years [e5560bf1].
