A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals that a significant portion of US adults, 55%, believe that President Donald Trump is steering the country in the wrong direction during his second term, marking a notable increase in negative sentiment compared to earlier in his first presidency. This shift reflects a growing concern among the public, as the percentage feeling this way has risen by 13 points compared to the same period four years earlier, suggesting a deepening divide in opinions about the administration's impact on the nation.

The survey, conducted from January 27 to 30, found stark partisan differences in perception of the country's direction. While an overwhelming 90% of Democrats think the country has worsened under Trump, a majority of Republicans, 82%, believe that the situation has improved. These findings illustrate the heightened polarization in American politics, where perceptions of leadership are significantly influenced by party affiliation, highlighting challenges for unity and bipartisan consensus.

Additionally, the poll indicated a decline in faith in the effectiveness of the US democratic system, with only 32% of respondents expressing confidence in the system of checks and balances between government branches, compared to 43% in the previous year. This trend signals growing dissatisfaction among the electorate, raising questions about the long-term implications for governance and the functioning of American democracy under the current administration.