Five Takeaways From CNN’s Poll On Trump’s First Year Back — Public Dissatisfaction Grows

President Donald Trump approaches the one-year mark of his second term amid largely unfavorable public views, according to a new CNN poll. The survey, released across a series of findings over the past week, highlights growing frustration with his confrontational agenda, rising concerns about immigration enforcement tactics, skepticism about his foreign-policy effectiveness and strong voter enthusiasm among Democrats.

1. Greenland Proposal Widely Rejected

The idea of pursuing control of Greenland is broadly unpopular: 75% of respondents oppose attempting to take the island, an autonomous territory of Denmark. While some Republicans appear receptive, 47% of GOP voters still oppose the proposal and 82% of independents are opposed. The poll question focused on the concept of pursuing Greenland at all, not on military seizure.

2. ICE Tactics in Minneapolis Seen As Problematic

Public reaction to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis is negative and politically risky. By 56% to 26%, respondents said the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Goodin used force inappropriately. Roughly half (51%) said the shooting both was inappropriate and "reflects bigger problems with the way ICE is operating." By a 20-point margin, Americans said ICE enforcement actions are making cities less safe (51%) rather than safer (31%).

3. Voters Want Pocketbook Issues, Not Provocation

Many Americans would prefer the president focus on lowering everyday prices: 64% say Trump has "not gone far enough" on reducing the cost of daily goods, including 69% of independents and 48% of Republicans. At the same time, pluralities or majorities say Trump has "gone too far" in multiple areas, including using presidential power, leveraging U.S. power abroad and reshaping cultural institutions.

Danish soldiers disembark at the harbor in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 18, 2026. - Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix Denmark/Reuters

4. Growing Doubt About Trump’s International Effectiveness

The public is increasingly skeptical of Trump’s performance on the world stage. The share who believe he is an effective world leader has declined; the poll now shows a 17-point gap (58% to 41%) against his being seen as effective. Additionally, 57% of respondents say Trump has "hurt America’s standing in the world," up from 53% in July.

5. Mixed But Favorable Signs For Democrats

On the generic congressional ballot among registered voters, Democrats lead by 5 points (46% to 41%). Equally notable is the enthusiasm gap: 66% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they are "extremely motivated" to vote this year versus 50% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters. That shift in motivation could influence turnout in 2026 races.

Epstein Files And Transparency Concerns

Public satisfaction with the administration’s disclosure of materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation is very low: only 6% said they were satisfied with the level of disclosure so far, while 49% said they were dissatisfied. The administration has acknowledged it has produced about 1% of requested files in a recent court filing, and 67% of respondents overall say the administration is "intentionally holding back some information that should be released."

What This Means

The CNN poll sketches a president whose combative agenda and forceful tactics are generating pushback across multiple fronts — foreign policy, immigration enforcement, cultural interventions and transparency — even as many voters want a renewed focus on economic relief through lower prices. The political implications include a modest Democratic advantage on the ballot and a meaningful enthusiasm gap that could determine outcomes in off-year contests.