Expectations (94)

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)?
December 2024November 2024October 2024
Much better17%18%12%
Somewhat better24%28%26%
Somewhat worse24%20%30%
Much worse27%29%23%
(No change)3%1%3%
(Don't know/Refused)5%4%5%
Better (Net)42%46%38%
Worse (Net)50%49%54%
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?
December 2024November 2024October 2024
Very optimistic13%13%10%
Somewhat optimistic35%40%41%
Somewhat pessimistic29%24%28%
Very pessimistic15%17%15%
(Neither/Mixed)2%2%4%
(Don't Know/Refused)4%3%3%
Optimistic (Net)49%53%51%
Pessimistic (Net)45%41%43%