LOS ANGELES—New survey data from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center reveals a nation divided on immigration, uneasy about the economy, and skeptical of a number of important administration policies, just hours before President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address tonight while facing a record low 40% approval from the American people at 9 p.m. EST.
The address marks Trump’s second speech to a joint session of Congress since returning to office. It comes at a politically fragile moment for the president, who faces record-high disapproval ratings, as detailed in previous coverage. The new data provide context for the challenges he faces in persuading Americans that his agenda is working.
Economic pessimism persists
Americans continue to express dissatisfaction with the nation’s economic conditions. Nearly three-quarters, 72%, rate the economy as only fair or poor. Just 28% describe conditions as excellent or good. Inflation and the rising cost of living remain dominant concerns, shaping public attitudes across party lines.
Tariffs, a central pillar of Trump’s economic strategy, draw more opposition than support. In a late January survey conducted before a recent Supreme Court ruling affecting tariff authority, 60% of Americans said they disapproved of tariff increases, while 37% approved. The issue remains sharply partisan, but overall skepticism is clear.
California Democrat Ted Lieu sharply criticized the administration’s trade policy ahead of the address.
“American families are paying an extra $1,700 a year on everyday essentials because of Trump’s tariffs,” Lieu said. “Republicans promised lower prices on day one. That didn’t happen.”
Health care costs top the list of economic anxieties. A 66% majority say the federal government has a responsibility to ensure all Americans have health coverage. Concerns about affordability extend beyond insurance to prescription drugs and hospital care.
Immigration: support for enforcement, limits on tactics
Immigration policy remains complex terrain for the administration. Despite disagreements over several of Trump’s proposals, 62% of Americans support a robust military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border. Border Patrol encounters have fallen significantly since Trump returned to office, reaching their lowest levels in decades.
At the same time, majorities express discomfort with certain enforcement practices. About 72% say it is unacceptable for federal immigration officers to use a person’s appearance or the language they speak as grounds for checking immigration status. Another 61% say officers should not wear face coverings that conceal their identities while on duty.
The findings suggest voters may back tougher border security in principle but place limits on how enforcement is carried out.
Energy and environment
Public opinion tilts strongly toward renewable energy. Roughly 77% favor expanding solar power, and 68% support wind energy, though backing has softened slightly compared with earlier years. Support for nuclear power has increased in recent surveys.
On environmental regulation, the country is closely divided. A narrow majority, 54%, believe it is possible to reduce regulations while still protecting air and water quality. Forty-five percent say such rollbacks would compromise environmental protections.
Foreign policy and Venezuela
The U.S. role in Venezuela similarly divides Americans. Forty-five percent say the United States should not be involved much or at all in Venezuela’s governance in the coming months. Thirty-two percent favor some involvement, and 21% support a very or extremely active role. Views are also divided over whether U.S. companies should have access to Venezuelan oil.
A divided electorate ahead of prime time
Taken together, the data portray an electorate that is frustrated with economic conditions, cautious about trade policy, and nuanced in its views on immigration enforcement. The numbers also reinforce the broader political landscape described in earlier reporting: while many Americans disapprove of Trump’s performance, Democrats have struggled to convince voters they offer a more compelling alternative.
As Trump steps to the podium tonight, he faces a public that is not unified in opposition but far from convinced. The speech offers him a national platform to argue that his policies are delivering results. Whether it shifts public sentiment remains to be seen.
“State of the Union” by The White House is licensed under CC PDM 1.0
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