A year into Trump's term, voters say Biden was better

A new Axios poll reveals that a majority of American voters believe the country was better off under President Joe Biden's administration compared to the first year of Donald Trump's second term. The findings, released one year after Trump's return to the White House, highlight growing concerns about the current administration's handling of key issues, particularly the economy.

According to the survey, 52% of respondents said the United States is worse off today than it was a year ago, while only 25% believe the country has improved. The remaining 23% said things are about the same. When asked specifically about the economy, 58% of voters said they believe the economy was stronger under Biden's presidency, compared to just 32% who said the same about Trump's first year back in office.

Economic anxiety appears to be the driving force behind these perceptions. The poll found that 65% of Americans are concerned about the possibility of a recession in the coming year, with inflation and the rising cost of living ranking as the top issues facing the country. Only 35% of respondents approve of Trump's handling of the economy, while 62% disapprove.

The survey also revealed significant partisan divides. While 85% of Democrats said the country is worse off under Trump, 70% of Republicans believe things have improved. Independent voters, however, leaned toward the negative view, with 54% saying the country is worse off compared to a year ago.

On specific policy areas, voters gave Trump mixed reviews. While 48% approved of his handling of immigration—a key campaign promise—only 38% approved of his approach to healthcare, and just 34% approved of his handling of foreign policy. The poll found that 57% of Americans disapprove of Trump's efforts to overhaul the federal government, including his push to downsize agencies and eliminate what he calls "waste, fraud, and abuse."

The findings come amid a turbulent first year for Trump's second term, marked by sweeping executive orders, legal challenges, and ongoing investigations. The administration has faced criticism for its handling of international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions with China, as well as domestic issues such as healthcare access and environmental regulations.

Political analysts suggest the poll results reflect broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. "Voters are looking at their pocketbooks and their daily lives, and they're not seeing the improvements they were promised," said Sarah Longwell, a Republican strategist and pollster. "The economy is the top issue for most Americans, and right now, they don't feel like things are getting better."

The Axios poll surveyed 1,500 registered voters between January 15 and January 20, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The results underscore the challenges facing the Trump administration as it seeks to maintain support heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the poll serves as a reminder that public opinion can shift rapidly, particularly on economic issues. With inflation remaining a concern and the possibility of a recession looming, the Trump administration will need to address these anxieties to regain the confidence of the American people.