Americans expect hard economic times, political tension in 2025: Poll


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A new poll finds that, while Americans are hoping for a happy new year, they’re setting their expectations somewhat lower. A recent Gallup poll of Americans’ expectations for 2025 found most foresee some hard economic times and political tension at home and abroad.

Fifty-six percent of Americans say they expect a year of economic difficulty rather than prosperity.

Meanwhile, more than three-quarters of all Americans expect political conflict rather than cooperation.

And just over two-thirds expect international discord rather than a peaceful year free from conflicts.

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Americans are more optimistic on other fronts. For instance, most Americans think employment will improve and prices will increase more “reasonably,” while nearly two-thirds expect a rising stock market.

One notable trend was the responses’ political division.

Gallup asked its respondents 13 questions. On all 13, a majority of Democrats had negative expectations for America in 2025, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. On the other hand, Republicans were more optimistic on 12 of the 13 issues Gallup asked about.

The only issue where a majority of Republicans weren’t optimistic? Political cooperation –– only 45% expect cooperation instead of conflict.

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Fear No Fact.™

Don't just take our word for it.


Center-rated reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Center-rated reporting May 2026

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more