Since our last national survey, U.S. President Donald Trump’s standing remains strong as American anxiety has only deepened with the nation’s political polarization.
Recent headlines have fueled concern: the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, compounded by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s erroneous commentary; conflicting media narratives about inflation and interest rates; the rise of far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race; and continued lawlessness in blue-run municipalities.
Together, these stories reinforce the nation’s sense that the left is trying to push America in the wrong direction.
Yet amid the turbulence, there are encouraging signs for Republicans.
Our latest national poll of 1,000 likely voters (Sept. 17–22, 2026) reveals:
- Only 35% believe the country is on the right track, while 57% say it’s on the wrong track.
- Republicans lead the generic congressional ballot, 47% to 41%.
- President Trump continues to hold a net positive job approval, 49% to 46%.
These numbers point to a growing Republican advantage — but they also highlight two critical trends shaping American politics.
First, voters are dividing into three separate media silos, each with its own version of reality:
- 33% follow left-of-center outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, Bloomberg, or CNBC.
- 35% rely on right-of-center outlets like Newsmax, Fox News, and Fox Business.
- 34% consume little or no cable news at all.
This fragmentation is creating a dangerous dynamic.
Voters are no longer debating the same set of facts.
Instead, their perceptions of issues — especially the economy — depend heavily on which media universe they inhabit.
The economy remains the dominant issue. Forty-one percent cite economic concerns as their top priority, with inflation alone named by 21%.
But interpretations diverge sharply by media source:
- Right-of-center viewers are more optimistic: 57% say the economy is improving.
- Left-of-center viewers are overwhelmingly negative: 76% say it’s worsening.
- Non-news consumers are the most pessimistic of all: 67% say things are getting worse.
Overall, 82% of voters report being harmed by inflation, with nearly half struggling to keep up. But while left-leaning media stoke recession fears, right-leaning outlets highlight positive economic indicators, leading their audiences to greater confidence.
Even years later, the Trump tax cuts remain a point of contention, again shaped by media framing:
- Conservative news consumers view the tax cuts favorably, 70% to 20%.
- Liberal news consumers oppose them, 58% to 28%.
- Among voters with investments or retirement savings — the investor class,” representing nearly half the electorate — support for the cuts rises significantly.
These voters not only feel the benefits of the Trump economy more directly, but they are also less susceptible to negative media narratives.
The lesson is clear: only voters who hear a fuller, more balanced view of the news are optimistic about America’s future.
Those confined to liberal echo chambers — or detached from news altogether — are increasingly anxious and pessimistic.
For Republicans and President Trump, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
The challenge lies in breaking through the media silos that distort reality and fuel division.
The opportunity is that when voters do hear the facts — about economic progress, tax cuts, and Republican leadership — they are more hopeful and more likely to support the GOP.
It’s time to ensure more Americans get the truth, not filtered through echo chambers, but through a fair, direct presentation of the facts.
That’s how optimism will spread, and how Republicans will continue to build momentum heading into 2026.
(See also: www.McLaughlinonline.com)
John McLaughlin has worked professionally as a strategic consultant and pollster for over 40 years. Jim McLaughlin is a nationally recognized public opinion expert, strategic consultant and political strategist who has helped to elect a U.S. president, prime ministers, a Senate majority leader, and a speaker of the House. Read John and Jim McLaughlin’s Reports — More Here.
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