Americans show deep political fatigue but growing support for independent leadership
A new nationwide survey of 1,200 adults (margin of error ±2.8%) reveals that most Americans are frustrated with partisan politics and increasingly favor leaders who work across the aisle.
Half (50%) believe they’ll be personally better off next year, but only 40% think the country will be—a gap reflecting widespread unease about America’s direction.
Approval of national leaders remains divided: 42% approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance while 52% disapprove; Congress fares even worse, with just 32% approval and 55% disapproval.
When asked how they see themselves politically, 31% identify as moderates or centrists, the largest single group, while only 9% call themselves strong conservatives and 9% strong liberals. Similarly, 22% say they prefer to “vote independent or split ticket.”
Across party lines, Americans overwhelmingly value bipartisanship—77% view politicians willing to work with both sides favorably.
The top issues people want government to address are health care (18%), jobs and the economy (16%), and affordability (15%). Immigration ranks lower overall but remains a leading priority for Republicans.
In cabinet-specific questions, respondents were skeptical of current leadership:
- Only 33% said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should remain in her role.
- 32% said the same for Attorney General Pam Bondi, and 39% for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Majorities of Democrats and independents said each should be replaced.
On voter empowerment, most Americans want to end partisan redistricting—56% favor independent commissions to draw election maps, and 64% agree that politicians who draw their own districts are “rigging the election.”
Meanwhile, 46% view independent or third-party candidates as a “fresh start”, not spoilers, and 61% say voters who choose independents are “independent-minded,” not careless.
Demographically, the survey included a balanced mix of Americans: 52% female, 48% male, with 66% identifying as White, 13% Black, and 14% Hispanic. One in three respondents has children at home, and about one in five identify as independents politically.
