Here's what most Americans say the country's top problem is – and it's a familiar one

WASHINGTON - A new poll revealed Americans’ top concern in February, when respondents were asked to identify the "most important problem facing this country today."

These findings, from a Feb. 2-16 Gallup poll, were conducted before the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

What Americans say is top problem facing US

By the numbers:

According to the survey, government and political leadership remained Americans’ top concern in February.

Overall, 29% of U.S. adults in February cited some aspect of government, Congress or politicians as the country’s most important problem. This is similar to the 32% recorded in January and 26% in December. 

Americans’ mentions of government-related issues as the nation’s top problem exceeded 25% in most months since President Donald Trump took office a year ago, averaging 27%. 

This compares with a 19% average during Joe Biden’s presidency and 24% during Trump’s first term. Before that, from 2000 to 2016, mentions of government averaged 10% and only surpassed 20% a few times.

Democrats drive high percentage 

Dig deeper:

The relatively high percentage of Americans citing government as the nation’s top problem in recent months was largely driven by Democrats, 44% of whom named some aspect of the government in February. 

This tied the all-time high of 45% of Democrats naming it in February 2025 at the start of Trump’s second term.

Democrats’ strong focus on government as the top problem contrasted with smaller proportions of independents (24%) and Republicans (19%) citing the issue in February. 

Most Democrats who mentioned government as the top problem in February pointed to Trump, or problems they associated with the Trump administration, such as corruption and executive overreach.

Republicans who named government more often criticized Democrats, perceived corruption or partisan gridlock, with only a small percentage critical of Trump. Independents’ responses were more varied, spanning concerns about Trump as well as broader critiques of U.S. politics.

Immigration, economy followed

Meanwhile, immigration emerged as the clear second choice, followed by the economy and inflation.

Immigration was mentioned by 20% of respondents –  up sharply from 10% in January, but similar to the 19% citing it in December.

Economic concerns followed, with 11% mentioning the economy in general and 8% citing inflation or high prices. 

February poll follows ICE operations, protests

Big picture view:

The February poll followed the killing of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by ICE agents in January during federal immigration enforcement operations. 

It also came after Trump sent White House Border Czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take over the ICE operation there. 

The attention to federal immigration enforcement sparked by these incidents likely contributed to the sharp increase in Americans’ mentions of immigration or immigration policy as the nation’s top problem in February.