Trump's Approval Ratings Dip Slightly in Second Term, Yet Remain Higher Than First Term
Nine weeks into his second presidency, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have seen a slight decline, yet they remain higher than during his first term, according to recent polls.
President Donald Trump, nine weeks into his second term, has been actively using executive orders to push his agenda, signing approximately 100 since his January 20 inauguration. Despite his claims of significant achievements, recent polls suggest a mixed public response to his performance. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from March 21-23 showed 45% approval and 51% disapproval among over 1,000 adults surveyed. Similarly, a Fox News poll conducted between March 14-17 reported a close split with 49% approving and 51% disapproving of Trump’s job as president.
These figures indicate a slight dip from the start of his second term, when his approval ratings were in the low 50s. Factors contributing to this decline include economic concerns and fears over potential inflation due to Trump’s tariffs on major trading partners. Despite the dip, Trump’s current approval ratings are still higher than at any point during his first term, where his numbers were predominantly negative.
Veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse noted that Trump’s current ratings are “still higher than he was at any point during his first presidency.” Daron Shaw, a member of the Fox News Decision Team, attributed the difference to the solidification of the Republican base, stating, “The party’s completely solidified behind him.”
Comparatively, former President Joe Biden enjoyed higher approval ratings in the early months of his presidency, but his numbers fell into negative territory later due to issues like the Afghanistan withdrawal and border challenges. Trump’s current favorable ratings, though slightly underwater, are better than during his first term, and more Americans now feel the country is on the right track compared to recent years.