Trump and America are on the Right Track

Rasmussen Reports, in one of its many daily and weekly polls, asks likely U.S. voters whether they believe the country is on the right or wrong track. Historically, this poll dates back to August 2007, nearly 20 years ago.

Typically, this number was in the 20s or 30s; at least it was for most of the Biden administration. During former President Joe Biden’s final week, only 39% felt the country was on the right track. The following week, President Donald Trump took the reins, and this number immediately jumped to 46%, likely based on his announced plans and cabinet selections.

The right direction number then hovered in the mid-to-high 40s, but this week marked a first in nearly 20 years, since the inception of this Rasmussen Reports poll. 

As announced this week, for the first time, 50% of likely U.S. voters believe America is on the right track. This marks a significant milestone and represents a psychological shift from pessimism to optimism.

Never in the past almost 20 years, during both Republican and Democratic administrations and Congresses, even during the eight years of “hope and change,” have Americans been this optimistic about the direction of America.

Breaking down the poll results further, 75% of Republicans say the country is on the right track. I wonder how many in the 25% who think we're on the wrong track believe that things are moving too slowly.

Congress has yet to codify Trump’s numerous executive orders and DOGE cuts into law, and as time passes, this possibility is diminishing. Judicial lawfare is creating obstacles to Trump’s agenda, with no pushback from the U.S. Supreme Court or Congress.

The long-awaited reckoning for past officials who weaponized the government against their political opponents is as elusive as ever. These include the COVID cabal, the January 6 witch hunters, and the Russiagate/Spygate insurrectionists. The wheels of justice only move quickly when partisan Democrats are steering those wheels.

Surprisingly, 31% of Democrats feel that America is on the right track. This view is shared by 57% of men, 44% of women, 48% of whites, 39% of blacks, and 62% of others. The latter figure indicates Trump’s support among Hispanics and Asians, large immigrant populations, despite Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

It’s not quite time for dancing in the streets yet, but clearly half the country has moved on from their Debbie Downer mindset.

To offer another perspective, Polymarket found that only 38% of bettors believe a U.S. recession will occur in 2025, indicating that nearly two-thirds of those staking their money on their opinions are bullish on America.

This is all a surprising bit of optimism despite a constant drumbeat of negativity from corporate media. It also marks a reversal from years of majority pessimism. During the Biden years, this number typically hovered in the low 30s. Their shift indicates growing public confidence, potentially driven by economic gains, foreign policy assertiveness, and improved perceptions of governance.

These numbers provide a strategic advantage for the Trump administration as the midterm elections approach and during the ongoing efforts to advance Trump’s legislative priorities.

Such optimism is a validation of President Trump's leadership and an endorsement of his current term. If the public believes the country is headed in the right direction, it will be politically more costly for Democrats and others who oppose his agenda.

Trump continues to maintain strong support among independents, even though he is often seen as a polarizing figure. This will be crucial in battleground states and suburban districts during the upcoming midterm elections.

Trump also has the opportunity to broaden his support as his agenda is implemented and demonstrates its benefits for America and voters.

There is also a racial realignment, with increasing support among Black, Asian, and Hispanic voters. This could prove to be a decisive edge in the upcoming midterms.

These numbers may also embolden Trump to continue pursuing his ambitious agenda and not retreat in the face of criticism as many of his Republican predecessors have done.

This may also set the stage for a civil war within the Democratic Party, pitting traditional centrist Democrats against the far-left faction that is losing support among the American people.

Hopefully, this poll represents a turning point rather than just a high watermark or a transient blip. Trump and his administration are enjoying a position of strength, buoyed by rising optimism, strong GOP unity, and an increasingly favorable national mood.

As Trump might say, “The best is yet to come!” 

Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer.

Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor

Substack Dr. Brian’s Substack

Truth Social @BrianJoondeph

LinkedIn @Brian Joondeph

Email brianjoondeph@gmail.com

See Other Commentaries by Brian C. Joondeph.

See Other Political Commentaries.