Poll: Americans Doubt Trump’s Rapid Changes Ahead of Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on March 4, exactly six weeks into his second term, amid significant public skepticism about his administration’s rapid changes. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows majorities of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track and the state of the union is not strong.

According to the poll conducted from February 24-26, 56% of respondents indicated a belief that Trump is rushing changes without considering their impact. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among independents, where 65% expressed concern over the pace of the changes being implemented by the administration.

A slim majority, 53%, described the state of the union as either “not very strong” or “not strong at all,” while 54% said the country is headed in the wrong direction. These negative assessments represent slight improvements compared to the figures reported under former President Joe Biden, where 62% rated the state of the union as weak in January 2023.

As Trump approaches his address, expected to focus on significant alterations within the federal government through the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he will likely aim to bolster support for his policy initiatives. Critics, however, argue that the rapid implementation of changes may be detrimental, with 55% of poll respondents suggesting cuts to federal agencies could do more harm than good.

Elon Musk‘s association with DOGE, serving as an advisor to Trump, has not improved public opinion of either him or the department. Only 39% of respondents held a favorable opinion of Musk, mirroring the sentiments people shared about DOGE itself.

In a representative response, Carter Deaderick, a Republican voter from Marietta, Georgia, said, “I like how [Trump] gets it done and he works nonstop for it. I respect that.” But others voiced more critical views, pointing out that a majority of Americans doubt the effectiveness of Trump’s proposed changes.

The survey also highlighted a lack of confidence in Trump’s compliance with court orders regarding his executive actions. Over half of respondents, 58%, indicated they are not confident he will adhere to such decisions. Additionally, there has been a marked decline in public trust in the U.S. system of checks and balances, with only 43% believing it is functioning well, down from 66% in December 2024.

On economic issues, a looming concern is the anticipated rise in prices. Approximately 57% of respondents believe grocery prices will increase over the next six months. Meanwhile, Trump’s overall job approval rating stands at 45%, better than his 38% approval rating when he left office in 2021, yet still lower than most recent presidents.

Political analysts are paying close attention to how these sentiments will impact not only Trump’s policies moving forward but also his party’s performance in the upcoming midterm elections. With sharp partisan divides on key issues, the opinions of independents could play a critical role in shaping the political landscape as the administration continues to implement its agenda.

As the administration grapples with contentious topics such as immigration and foreign policy, Trump’s upcoming address will mark a pivotal moment in communicating his vision for the future of the country. Following his speech, Democratic responses are expected from various party members, including representative remarks addressing economic concerns and the public’s apprehensions regarding the administration’s direction.