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.
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.