As the government shutdown continues, Americans are increasingly expressing concern about its potential impact on the U.S. economy. A significant majority believe that Congress is not making adequate efforts to resolve the shutdown, heightening worries about personal and national financial consequences. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among individuals with lower incomes who fear being directly affected by the ongoing crisis.
The political landscape surrounding the shutdown indicates that no party is currently benefiting from the situation. Both Congressional Democrats and Republicans, along with President Trump, are receiving increasingly negative evaluations for their management of the crisis. Interestingly, Democrats express greater concern over the economic repercussions of the shutdown compared to their Republican counterparts. Other critical services, such as air travel, are also causing anxiety among the public due to the shutdown's effects.
Disapproval ratings for all parties involved are on the rise, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with how the situation is being handled. This negative perception has intensified throughout October, the month when the shutdown first began. Within party ranks, while both Republicans and Democrats maintain majority approval from their bases, Republican support appears to be more solidified compared to that of the Democrats.
The ongoing economic uncertainty significantly impacts public sentiment. Ratings regarding the economy have remained low for years, with little change expected in the near future. Support for tariffs continues to be unfavorable, and views on the job market remain pessimistic. Additionally, there is growing concern about the potential job displacement caused by advancements in artificial intelligence. Most importantly, rising prices are at the forefront of Americans' minds, overshadowing other economic indicators and leading many to anticipate continued inflation in the coming months.
As we approach the midterm elections, President Trump's performance is under scrutiny. A year after his election, most voters perceive him as attempting to fulfill his campaign promises, even if the methods may differ from expectations. In terms of policy, Trump's and the Republicans' approaches to economic and immigration issues are currently viewed more favorably than those of the Democrats. However, many voters remain undecided or dissatisfied with both parties.
The upcoming New York mayoral race is drawing national attention, with many Democrats expressing a desire for their party to adopt a balanced approach between socialism and capitalism. Additionally, redistricting is a hot topic as voters in California consider a measure while debates unfold across various states. Public sentiment leans towards maintaining current district lines until 2030, with a preference for more competitive districts rather than those designed for partisan advantage.
The economic uncertainty, compounded by the government shutdown, is affecting President Trump's approval ratings. His disapproval ratings regarding inflation and economic management are notably high, particularly as public dissatisfaction grows. Conversely, Trump has received relatively better feedback on his immigration policies, which benefit from solid support among the Republican base. His recent handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has also garnered him a slight boost in approval, particularly from independents and some Democrats.
As of early October, Trump's approval ratings have slightly declined, remaining in the low 40s, a consistent trend since the summer. This data is based on a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,124 U.S. adults between October 29-31, 2025, with a margin of error of ±2.6 points. The survey highlights the pressing issues that Americans are grappling with as they navigate a complex political and economic landscape.
