As the calendar flips toward 2025, a wave of cautious optimism seems to be sweeping across the United States—at least according to a recent CBS/YouGov poll. Unlike the doom-and-gloom outlook that defined the end of 2024, more Americans this time are feeling hopeful about what lies ahead. In fact, 57% of respondents said they were optimistic about the new year, a noticeable jump from 47% the year prior. Of course, not everyone is popping champagne just yet, with 23% admitting to feeling downright discouraged and another 20% caught somewhere in between. But for many, the shift in political winds appears to be fueling this newfound hope.
Much of this optimism can be traced back to recent political upheavals that saw power swing from the Democrats to the Republicans. Leading the charge is none other than Donald Trump, whose return to the Oval Office has energized his base and left critics gnashing their teeth. Across party lines, Trump’s re-election seems to be the defining factor for Americans’ attitudes toward 2025. Unsurprisingly, 85% of Republicans are beaming with hope, while even 49% of Independents and 38% of Democrats admitted to feeling somewhat optimistic. Whether they’re feeling hopeful or despairing, it seems Trump’s presence is shaping the national mood.
For those expressing hope, Trump’s victory isn’t just a blip on the radar—it’s the main event. According to the poll, his impending presidency was the top reason cited by those looking forward to 2025, outranking even personal milestones like relationships and financial goals. Sixty percent of the hopeful group credited Trump’s leadership as their main source of optimism. Meanwhile, Democrats feeling discouraged—an overwhelming 85% of them—blamed Trump’s return as the primary reason for their pessimism. Other concerns among the disheartened included U.S. politics, global instability, and a less-than-rosy economic outlook.
On the flip side, Trump’s supporters are banking on his promises to shake up Washington, end foreign conflicts, and revive the economy. Many of those who supported him during his first term believe he can deliver on these pledges again. This confidence in Trump’s ability to “drain the swamp” and restore a sense of order has left his base feeling vindicated and ready for action. It’s a stark contrast to the palpable anxiety among his critics, who fear the return of policies they oppose.
Perhaps the most surprising development is the quiet thawing of relations between Trump and some of the tech industry’s biggest players. Once vocal critics of his administration, a few tech leaders seem to be reevaluating their stance as the political landscape shifts. While it’s too early to call it a full reconciliation, this softening tone reflects the broader realization that Trump’s presidency will once again shape the nation’s direction. As the year unfolds, one thing is clear: whether hopeful or discouraged, Americans are bracing for the impact of another Trump administration, for better or worse.
Heading into 2025, Americans are more hopeful than discouraged — and more outright hopeful than they were heading into 2024, CBS News polling shows. Among those who say they're generally hopeful about 2025, their top reason is that Donald Trump will be president.… pic.twitter.com/T7ZDRh8iTc
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 22, 2024
