Expectations (96)

Table with 4 columns and 22 rows.
And thinking about our national debt over the next few years, do you expect the problem to get better or worse?
Is that much (better or worse) or just somewhat (better or worse)?
January 2025December 2024November 2024
Much better17%17%18%
Somewhat better26%24%28%
Somewhat worse22%24%20%
Much worse27%27%29%
(No change)2%3%1%
(Don't know/Refused)6%5%4%
Better (Net)43%42%46%
Worse (Net)49%50%49%
And when it comes to our national debt, are you optimistic or pessimistic that the United States will be able to make progress on our national debt over the next few years?
Would you say you are very (optimistic or pessimistic) or just somewhat?
January 2025December 2024November 2024
Very optimistic14%13%13%
Somewhat optimistic37%35%40%
Somewhat pessimistic25%29%24%
Very pessimistic17%15%17%
(Neither/Mixed)2%2%2%
(Don't Know/Refused)5%4%3%
Optimistic (Net)50%49%53%
Pessimistic (Net)42%45%41%