As Donald Trump nears one year into his second term as President, fresh polls shed light on Americans’ views of his leadership.
Nearing the completion of his first year as the 47th President, Trump has been ardent in pushing forward considerable policy shifts. This past year has witnessed alterations to immigration policy, tweaks in economic strategies, and the introduction of trade measures that have shaken global markets. An extended federal government shutdown also drew headlines last autumn.
On the international front, Trump has been assertive in engaging diplomatically with ongoing conflicts. On the home front, he has deployed the National Guard to multiple major cities, aligning with broader public safety strategies.
Despite his proactive measures, Trump’s approval ratings show a downward trend.
Recently, a national study pointed out that 63% of Americans disapprove of his actions, marking one of the highest disapproval ratings during his time in office. A Reuters/Ipsos survey underscored broad concern regarding escalating living costs.
A subsequent New York Times poll reveals a slight increase in his approval, with 42% of respondents supporting him while 55% disapprove as of December 5. Economic issues remain a sore point for many citizens, as only 26% of participants in the last Reuters poll expressed confidence in the government’s handling of living expenses.
Within the Republican camp, there’s noticeable waning support. A Marquette University poll signaled a dip in approval for Trump’s economic decisions, dropping to 75% from a previous 82% in July.
On top of economic issues, voters voice their concerns over various national and international problems, encompassing federal spending, healthcare, and global conflicts. According to Gallup, Trump’s better approval scores lie in areas such as crime, foreign policy, trade, and immigration policies, yet none exceed the mid-40s percentile.
Support has also slipped among college-educated white males, a pivotal demographic.
Another study monitoring 1,628 adults reported Trump’s net approval rating has maintained at -15 or worse for seven consecutive weeks—a distinctive trend from his initial term.
For context, Joe Biden registered a net approval of -9 at a similar point in his presidency. However, polls show former President Barack Obama enjoys a more positive image compared to both Trump and Biden.
Looking forward, this data suggests potential challenges for the Republican Party. With the midterm elections on the horizon, several polls signal a surge in Democratic momentum, with 55% of voters indicating a tendency to lean Democratic in their respective districts.
