Tue Mar 04 01:40:00 UTC 2025: **Trump Delivers State of the Union-Style Address Amidst Divided Public Opinion**
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress tomorrow, delivering a speech akin to a State of the Union address. The speech comes at a time of significant division within the American public regarding the President’s performance and the direction of the nation.
A new Marist Poll, conducted February 24-26, reveals that while perceptions of the “state of the union” have improved since 2023, a majority of Americans still believe the country is on the wrong track. President Trump’s recent actions, particularly cuts to federal agencies, have not enjoyed widespread support; majorities feel he is moving too quickly and that the cuts will ultimately do more harm than good.
The survey highlights deep partisan divisions on key issues. A significant majority (56%) disagree with the current functioning of the nation’s system of checks and balances, a view shared by most Democrats and Independents. Conversely, Republicans largely approve of the system’s effectiveness.
Opposition to the abolishment of the Department of Education is strong, with 63% of Americans opposed, including a vast majority of Democrats and Independents. Support for abolishing the department is primarily concentrated among Republicans.
The President’s foreign policy decisions also face considerable pushback. 71% oppose U.S. control of Gaza, while support is split along party lines. American involvement in the Ukraine war is another point of contention, with a nearly equal split between those who believe the U.S. is providing too much or too little support.
Economically, 57% of Americans anticipate rising grocery prices in the next six months. While President Trump’s approval rating (45%) is higher than at the end of his first term, it remains below 50%, with strong feelings—both positive and negative—expressed by significant portions of the population.
Public opinion is also divided on the President’s handling of various policy areas, including immigration, the economy, and foreign policy. Independents, in particular, tend to view these policies negatively.
Finally, the poll also reveals public opinion regarding Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with both showing noticeable unfavorable opinions among Americans.
The Marist Poll surveyed 1,694 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points.
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