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In our latest poll with NPR and PBS News, Donald Trump hits several record lows on his approval among Americans. The economy appears to be the main driver of this as rising costs continue to shape daily decisions, from filling up at the gas pump to planning a summer getaway. While most Americans still expect to take a vacation, many say financial pressures have forced them to adjust their plans. We also look at the political implications of those economic concerns as President Trump's ratings continue to slide. His approval on the economy has fallen to a new low in Marist Polling, and his overall job approval now stands at the lowest point of his second term.
Then, we turn to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and whether Americans are actually ready for the world's biggest sporting event. While the tournament is larger than ever, with 48 nations, 104 matches, and a final at MetLife Stadium, most Americans say they are not especially interested. We look at why public excitement remains relatively muted, why expectations for the U.S. team are modest, and how concerns about affordability have made attending a match feel out of reach for many fans. We also examine the controversy surrounding ICE's role at stadiums and the fierce partisan divide over immigration enforcement at the tournament.
And, we finish of with a fun fact and lively discussion about hand dominance.
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This week, Poll Hub examines the intersection of space exploration, private wealth, and public trust. SpaceX is preparing for a historic IPO that will make the company the most valuable in the world, at least for a time. It should also push Elon Muskâs personal wealth to a level never seen before. The conversation goes beyond the stock market to ask what this moment says about concentrated wealth in America, the role billionaires (and now trillionaires) play in public life, and how Americans view the relationship between money, influence, and power.
We also examine the future of the U.S. space program after Blue Originâs rocket explosion at Cape Canaveral. The setback comes at a critical time for NASAâs Artemis program and raises broader questions about the countryâs reliance on private space companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX to reach the moon and, eventually, Mars. Public opinion shows that Americans remain proud of NASA and supportive of space exploration, but they are far less certain about whether private companies can deliver on ambitious timelines. The segment explores the tension between national pride, scientific ambition, and practical doubt.
And, for the fun fact, we look at a poll from 2008 that asked about the price Americans would pay to see the stars. The spread from $1 to $20k is kinda amazing!
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Weâre looking at one of the fastest-growing crime problems in America: scams. From fake texts and phone calls to online attacks and fraudulent charges, scams have become a constant part of daily life for many Americans. But the data challenge a common assumption: older adults are not the only ones being targeted. Younger and lower-income Americans are often more likely to report being victimized, while many people never report scams at all because they feel embarrassed, do not know where to turn, or assume nothing can be done. We break down who is getting scammed, how much money Americans are losing, and whether the government or technology companies are doing enough to protect people.
Then, we turn to family size and the growing gap between the number of children Americans say is ideal and the number they are actually having. The U.S. fertility rate has reached another historic low, even as many Americans still say two or three children is the ideal family size. Rising costs, delayed marriage, childcare concerns, and changing life priorities are all part of the picture. We look at why more adults say they may never have children, why concern about the declining birth rate is growing, and why many Americans still do not want the government involved in encouraging people to have more kids.
And, for the fun fact, we explore what Americans think may happen after this life...or what happened before it!
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Weâre exploring a growing sense of disconnection in America. From loneliness to broader feelings of dissatisfaction, many people â especially men â are struggling to find meaningful connection, purpose, and support. What was once dismissed as a personal issue is now increasingly being framed as a public health concern, with the former Surgeon General even declaring an âepidemic of loneliness.â We break down what the latest research says about the rise in isolation, why young men appear to be disproportionately affected, and what may be driving this trend â from changing relationship patterns and declining social interaction to technology and shifting expectations around work, identity, and community. We also ask whether loneliness is the problem, itself, or a symptom of something deeper about how Americans are living, working, and relating to one another.
Then, we talk about one of the most overlooked human senses: smell. For millions of Americans, especially after COVID-19, losing the ability to smell has become an unexpected and often lasting reality. But researchers say this is about far more than simply missing flavors or scents. Smell is uniquely tied to memory and emotion, serving as a direct pathway to the parts of the brain responsible for nostalgia, emotional connection, and even cognitive function. As scientists learn more about the long-term effects of smell loss, questions are emerging about its links to mental health, memory decline, and everyday safety. We take a closer look at why this once âneglected senseâ may actually be far more important than many of us ever realized â and what happens when people lose a key way of experiencing and remembering the world.
And, for the fun fact, we're asking for the second week in a row, where Americans want to take a summer vacation. This time from 1939.
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Americans overwhelmingly oppose partisan gerrymandering in principle, with large bipartisan majorities saying congressional maps should not be drawn to favor one party and strongly supporting independent commissions over politicians controlling the process. However, attitudes become more partisan in practice, as many Democrats and Republicans support gerrymandering when it benefits their own side, revealing a tension between support for fairness and political self-interest, even as majorities say partisan redistricting is bad for democracy.
Then, Americans spent a record $104.7 billion on lottery tickets in 2024, nearly double what they spent in 2008, and the growth has been nearly uninterrupted for over a decade. The most common form of play is the scratch-off ticket, purchased by more than a third of American adults in the past year, followed closely by jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The median gambler wagers just $120 a year, but a small share of heavy players pulls the average to over $1,000, suggesting that for most Americans, lottery play is a modest, recurring habit rather than a serious financial strategy. States collect the difference between what players spend and what they win, directing those proceeds, now $34.5 billion annually, toward education, infrastructure, and public services. The lottery, in other words, is simultaneously one of the country's most popular forms of entertainment and one of its least examined public finance mechanisms. Most players lose. Most states depend on them doing so.
Finally, a fun fact for the unofficial start of summer this long holiday weekend. A question about vacations that leaves us a little confused about the answers offered.
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This week, weâre taking a closer look at one of the few issues that appears to unite Americans across the political spectrum: concern about money in politics. From campaign spending and lobbying to billionaire influence and âdark money,â recent polling suggests large majorities of Americans believe wealth and special interests now hold too much power in shaping elections and political decision-making. Many also say the current system weakens democracy and creates the appearance of corruption, concerns that cut across party lines. At the same time, campaign finance reform has historically struggled to become a top public priority, even as election spending continues to reach record highs. In this segment, we break down what Americans think about the role of money in politics, why these concerns have become so widespread, and what they reveal about trust in the political system today.
Weâre also examining how pets are increasingly becoming central to American family life. Pet ownership has reached record levels in the United States, and nearly all pet owners now describe their animals as part of the family. For many younger Americans especially, pets are not just companions but emotional anchors, sources of stability, and in some cases even substitutes for traditional milestones like marriage or parenthood. At the same time, the share of households with children continues to decline, while spending on pets continues to rise. In this segment, we explore what these changing attitudes toward pets reveal about shifting ideas surrounding family, adulthood, caregiving, and modern American life.
And finally, for our fun fact we are breaking down our dreams. Do you remember the details, the vibes, or nothing at all?
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This week, we're breaking down our new national poll conducted with NPR and PBS News. President Donald Trump's job approval rating remains in the high 30s, with Americans' concerns cutting across multiple issues. Domestically, affordability remains a worry, and many say the economy is not working well for them personally. At the same time, views on foreign policy are also shaping public opinion, with a majority believing the United Statesâ position on the world stage has weakened. More than six in ten also say recent military action in Iran has done more harm than good. In this segment, we break down how these concerns connect, what they reveal about the current public mood, and their implications for the midterm elections.
We also zoom out to examine how Americansâ perceptions of the economy have evolved over the past year. What started in 2025 as growing worry about the cost of living has gradually turned into a broader sense of economic frustration. Over time, more Americans have come to feel that the economy is falling short in meeting their needs. By early 2026, concern about inflation had expanded across party lines. The data suggest that people are judging the economy less by traditional indicators and more by their day-to-day financial reality, whether they can keep up with rising prices and cover their monthly expenses. On both fronts, sentiment has clearly declined.
And, lastly, is age just a number? We are discussing the youthful age of 75.
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
After the recent shooting tied to the White House Correspondentsâ Association Dinner, we take a step back to look at how Americans are responding to the broader issue of political violence. New polling shows widespread concern that this type of violence is on the rise, but also a growing willingness among some to see it as justified in certain situations. We unpack whatâs behind this shift, including generational divides, rising polarization, and how todayâs political rhetoric may be shaping the way people think about conflict and accountability.
We also explore how public opinion around energy is becoming more complicated. While many Americans say they support expanding cleaner energy sources, those views are far from uniform and often shift depending on how the issue is framed. When questions turn to tradeoffs and affordability, support can become more uncertain. Additionally, political polarization seems to play an even larger role in this issue now. We break down how these mixed attitudes highlight a broader tension between long-term environmental goals and short-term practical concerns.
Finally, our fun fact has us debating whether range anxiety is enough to keep people from buying an EV, or whether hybrids are a safer compromise.
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
We open with a deep dive into the Make America Healthy Againâ(MAHA) initiative and how itâs landing with the public. At a surface level, many Americans are on board with the idea of improving overall health across the country. But that broad agreement doesnât always translate into strong alignment with the movement itself. In fact, when people hear more detailed explanations of the policies tied to MAHA, their reactions often become more mixed. In this segment, we look at what this disconnect tells us about how Americans process health-related proposals, the role politics plays in shaping opinion, and how messaging can influence support.
From there, we shift to concerns surrounding drinking water and how Americans navigate choices between tap and bottled options. With water contamination topping the list of environmental worries nationwide, many individuals turn to bottled water as a perceived safer option. At the same time, there is widespread awareness of, and concern about, the environmental consequences of plastic waste. This creates a clear tension between what people value environmentally and the choices they make in their daily lives. We break down what the numbers say about public confidence in water systems, consumption patterns, and the broader environmental implications.
To wrap things up, we end on a lighter note with a fun fact focused on how frequently Americans are grabbing fast food, and what that trend might reveal about everyday routines and habits. Particularly how definitions of fast food have changed since the 70s.
maristpoll.com/podcast
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This week on Poll Hub, we explore how beliefs, values, and identity are shaped and reshaped across generations in American life. Drawing on new data from the Pew Research Center, the conversation looks at how many Americans were raised with strong religious identities and consistent practices, yet far fewer maintain those same levels of engagement in adulthood. We examine what drives this shift âfrom changes in family structure and upbringing to broader cultural influences âand consider how early experiencesâwhether religious or secularâcontinue to shape peopleâs sense of meaning, belonging, and identity over time. Marist Lecturer in Religious Studies Dr. Brian Loh joins us to help unpack these trends and what they reveal about generational change.
We then turn to the evolving role of social media in American democracy, where new research highlights a striking tension. While heavy social media users are more likely to feel politically empowered and believe their participation can make a difference, they are also less likely to say democracy is the best form of government. Using findings from Gallup, the Kettering Foundation, and Pew Research, we explore how increased connectivity may be boosting engagement while simultaneously contributing to declining trust in institutions.
Together, these conversations point to a broader story about change in how Americans engage with both personal belief systems and public institutions. As traditional structures evolve and new forms of connection take their place, the ways people understand their identities and their role in democracy are shifting in complex and sometimes contradictory ways.
Listen here: maristpoll.com/podcast
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This week on Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where Mayor Zohran Mamdani stands after his first 100 days in office, based on the latest Marist Poll data. The numbers point to a noticeable shift in public mood: a plurality of New York City residents approve of the job heâs doing, and for the first time in months, more than half of residents say the city is moving in the right direction. That marks a meaningful change from earlier polling trends.
Beyond the topline numbers, voters are also forming clear impressions of his leadership style. Many describe Mamdani as hard working and perceive him to be caring and trying to unify the city. Still, the discussion goes deeper than personal traits. We also explore how his early performance compares with previous mayors at similar points in their administrations, offering a broader sense of historical context.
In addition, this week features a spotlight on new work coming out of Maristâs Center for Sports Communication. Their newest podcast, Point Taken, is another Marist student featured podcast, and we speak with Center Director Andrew Elrick about its launch, goals, and early reception.
Listen here: maristpoll.com/podcast
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On this weekâs Poll Hub,
We start by unpacking a new Gallup survey that points to a notable global rebound in trust in banks and other financial institutions. While the United States is moving in the same upward direction, it still trails many other countries when it comes to public confidence. We take a closer look at why trust remains more fragile at home, exploring the lingering effects of past financial crises, differences in regulation, and what this gap could mean for the broader economy moving forward.
Then, we turn to a deeper dive into American public opinion on Iran. From the days of the Shah and the Iranian Revolution, through decades of diplomatic strain and periodic conflict, to todayâs complex geopolitical landscape, we look at how perceptions have shifted over time. Using historical polling data, we examine how moments of tension, diplomacy, and uncertainty have shaped the way Americans view Iran and what that tells us about public opinion during times of international conflict.
Finally, we wrap things up on a lighter note with a fun fact that sparks a debate over just how violent different sports really are. This discussion might challenge some of your assumptions!
Listen now at Marist Poll: maristpoll.com/podcast
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On this weekâs Poll Hub, we take a closer look at a country pulled in different directions: abroad and at home.
Americans are deeply divided over the conflict with Iran. Many see the conflict as a âwar of choice,â not necessity, and most say the administration hasnât clearly explained its goals. And, amidst rising economic concerns, especially gas prices, public skepticism only grows.
That divide is especially stark along partisan lines. Republicans overwhelmingly support military action, while Democrats and independents very much oppose it. Even within the GOP, however, there are signs of tension, revealing one of the most significant internal splits in the party in years.
Next, we turn to a very different kind of story. Grandparents in America are playing a bigger role than many might expect. Theyâre not just part of the family, theyâre caregivers, financial supporters, and everyday anchors in millions of households. From helping raise grandchildren to contributing billions of dollars each year, their impact stretches far beyond occasional visits. We break down how often grandparents provide care, how much they spend, and what this growing role says about the changing structure of American families and the pressures shaping them.
And, we finish with a step back in time, looking at what people said their favorite day was in 1952 and how those answers compare to today.
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On this weekâs Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where things stand with cancer in the United States. Itâs still one of the most widespread diseases in the country, but the story is more multi-dimensional than it used to be. Treatments have improved significantly, and people are living longer than before. At the same time, more people are being diagnosed, including younger individuals, raising important questions about whatâs driving that increase and how much we still donât fully understand.
We also explore how cancer care is evolving. New treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy are making a real impact, and in some cases, cancer is becoming something people manage over time rather than something immediately life-threatening. However, cancer isnât just one disease. There are many different types, each with its own challenges and treatment approaches, depending on the patient.
And even with all this progress, there are still major challenges. Cancer can shape a personâs life long after treatment -- physically, emotionally, and financially. The cost of care, access to treatment, and long-term impacts all play a role in the patient experience. Joined by Dr. Thomas Blom of Princeton Medical Group and Penn Medicine, and host of Medical Insights with Dr. Thomas Blom, we talk through where things are improving, where challenges remain, and what the future of cancer care might look like.
Listen to Medical Insights with Dr. Thomas Blom here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dhkwZs6AQ20GlaSJJ5Tbn?si=baaeccba89b94df8
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
We take a deeper dive into the results of our newest national survey conducted with NPR and PBS News. The conversation looks at how Americans are feeling about the current political climate, including Donald Trumpâs job approval rating and public confidence in the fairness and security of U.S. elections. We break down the data, explore where opinions differ, and discuss some of the factors that may be influencing attitudes across the country.
We also shift gears to talk about perfectionism. While striving to do things well can be motivating, perfectionism can sometimes create pressure that makes it harder to move forward. We look at how perfectionism appears in everyday life, from school and work to personal goalsâand consider when high standards are helpful and when they might start to get in the way of productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
AndïŒto wrap things up, we share a timely fun fact connected to the start of Daylight Saving Time. When the clocks âspring ahead,â many people lose an hour of sleep. What does that shift mean for our internal clocks and daily routines?
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
We unpack how Americansâ confidence in higher education is shifting and whatâs behind the change. Long viewed as a reliable path to success, a college degree is now being reassessed as concerns about cost, student debt, and real-world outcomes grow. We explore how attitudes differ across generations, political groups, and socioeconomic lines.
We also tackle the latest trends in remote and hybrid work, exploring how the workplace continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world. From flexibility and work-life balance to productivity and collaboration, we examine what Americans are gaining â and what they may be losing â as traditional office norms give way to new models. Plus, we look at what Americans might be able to sacrifice for their preferred setting.
Plus, our fun fact of the week explores birthdays, specifically, which birthdays people think are actually worth celebrating. From milestone moments to the debate over whether every year deserves a party, we look at how Americans approach marking another trip around the sun.
maristpoll.com/podcast
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
After a historically long State of the Union this week, we're asking if President Trump helped himself as new polling captures how lousy Americans are feeling about Trumpâs priorities and the direction of his administration. Disapproval remains a key part of the story, but the data goes deeper, highlighting where the public sees alignment, where thereâs frustration, and how these views differ across political and demographic groups.
In the second segment, we turn to an issue that helps drive those gloomy polls: grocery prices. Even as grocery inflation has calmed a bit, price increases since 2000 are still shaping how people shop and spend. From cutting back on certain items to seeking out deals and changing routines, Americans are making adjustments in real time. We explore what the latest data says about these behaviors and what they signal about consumer confidence and economic outlook.
And, for our fun fact... would you dine in the dark? Americans don't seem inclined to dabble in this type of restaurant experience.
Listen to the full episode: maristpoll.com/podcast
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On this weekâs episode of Poll Hub, Peter Enns, professor at Cornell University and co-founder of Verasight, joins to explore how polling is evolving beyond traditional approval ratings. Rather than focusing solely on top-line numbers, Enns discusses how researchers are digging deeper into public opinion to better understand nuance, intensity, and underlying motivations.
As a lead researcher on The Breakthrough polling project, Enns is helping redefine how we measure public opinion by incorporating open-ended responses, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis. These tools allow researchers to capture, not just what people think, but how they think â revealing patterns in language, emotion, and reasoning that often get lost in standard survey questions.
Then, we turn to dreams. We examine how factors like stress, anxiety, sleep patterns, and lifestyle habits shape the likelihood of experiencing nightmares, and what the data reveals about who is most affected. We also share some of our own dream experiences and dive into what may influence recurring dreams or why some people remember their dreams more vividly than others. From stress levels and major life changes to sleep quality and personality traits, we explore how both psychological and environmental factors can shape not just what we dream about, but whether those dreams stick with us after we wake up.
And, for this weekâs fun fact, we take a look back at marijuana use in the 1960s and compare it to today. What was once associated with counterculture movements has become far more mainstream, with usage patterns shifting dramatically over time. Itâs a fascinating snapshot of how attitudes, and behaviors, evolve across generations.
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
Just in time for Valentineâs Day, we take a closer look at how politics is shaping modern dating. From abortion to transgender rights, recent polling shows a growing share of singles say a potential partnerâs political views factor into whether theyâd pursue a relationship at all, highlighting how deeply political identity has become woven into personal life. At the same time, the data points to widening divides by age and ideology, with younger adults and women especially likely to say mismatched views are a deal-breaker.
Plus, do Americans feel theyâre given enough time to grieve after losing a loved one? We break down public opinion on bereavement leave, workplace support, and whether current policies reflect how people actually experience loss. The findings reveal broad concern that time off isnât sufficient for meaningful recovery, raising questions about how workplaces can better support employees during moments of grief.
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On this weekâs Poll Hub:
GLP-1 weight loss drugs are everywhere: in ads, on social media, and, increasingly, in medicine cabinets. But, beyond the hype, what do Americans actually think about them?
Recent polling shows use of GLP-1s has more than doubled in the past year. At the same time, most Americans say willpower alone isnât enough to manage weight long-term, reflecting a growing shift towards viewing obesity as a medical issue rather than a lifestyle choice.
Plus, our latest national poll takes a deeper look at how Americans currently view the Trump Administration and the direction of the country more broadly. We unpack new data on foreign policy, immigration enforcement & ICE, and the state of the economy, three issues that continue to shape public opinion and drive intense reactions across the political spectrum. The findings reveal sharp divides, not just between parties, but across age, education, and region, highlighting how different groups are experiencing and interpreting recent developments. We explore whatâs fueling shifts in sentiment, where frustration and support are most pronounced, and what these attitudes could signal for the broader political climate moving forward.
maristpoll.com/podcast
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