A recent CNN analysis suggests that President Donald Trump’s popularity is on the rise, and a growing number of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction.
CNN highlighted Trump’s approval rating has improved by 6 points overall based on polling data. This upward trend indicates that he is gaining more support as time progresses.
“All we talk about is how unpopular Donald Trump is,” CNN’s data analyst Harry Enten said. “But in reality, he’s basically more popular than he was at any point in term number one and more popular than he was when he won the election back in November of 2024.”
He pointed to recent Marist and NBC News polls, which found that 45% and 44% of Americans, respectively, think the country is on the right track—the highest levels recorded since 2009 and 2004.
While these findings indicate a shift in public sentiment, they are not based on CNN’s own polling but rather analyses of external data sources. Additionally, other polls present a more mixed picture of Trump’s standing.
For example, a CNN/SSRS poll conducted from March 6-9, 2025, found that 56% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy. This marks a significant change from earlier periods when economic approval was a strong point for Trump’s presidency.
The divergence in polling results underscores the complexity of public opinion, which fluctuates based on questions, wording, timing, and polling methodology. While some surveys suggest Trump’s support is strengthening, others indicate challenges remain as he potentially eyes a return to the White House.
As the 2024 election aftermath continues to shape public attitudes, Trump’s rising popularity and optimistic national sentiment could have significant implications for the political landscape.