What New Polling Shows About Public Opinion on a Second Trump Presidency

Listening to speeches or reading statements from Donald Trump and his administration, one could easily conclude that his second term has been an unprecedented success. The president frequently points to tariffs generating billions in revenue, claims that inflation and gas prices are under control, and portrays his policies as strengthening the nation economically and globally.

However, when independent polling data are examined, a more complicated and less favorable picture emerges—one that contrasts sharply with the administration’s optimistic rhetoric.

Overall Approval: Stable, but Largely Negative

According to recent findings from the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, roughly 40% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s job performance one year into his second term. That figure has remained fairly consistent since March 2025, shortly after he returned to office in January.

At the same time, close to 60% of adults say they disapprove of his performance. These numbers suggest that while Trump maintains a loyal base of supporters—particularly among Republicans—a majority of Americans remain dissatisfied with his presidency.

Mixed Ratings on Core Policy Issues

Public opinion becomes even more critical when broken down by specific policy areas. The AP-NORC poll shows that Trump’s approval ratings are underwater across many of the issues that define his political agenda:

• Economy: About 37% approve of his economic leadership, while most Americans express concern over inflation and the cost of living.

• Immigration: Once a signature strength, approval of Trump’s immigration policies has slipped to roughly 38%.

• Foreign affairs: Similar numbers—around 37%—approve of his handling of international relations.

• Trade and tariffs: Public sentiment toward Trump’s trade policies continues to lean negative in multiple surveys.

Across these major areas, more Americans disapprove than approve, indicating broad skepticism toward the administration’s policy direction.

A Gap Between Messaging and Public Sentiment

Trump’s messaging emphasizes economic gains and decisive leadership, yet polling shows many Americans remain unconvinced. For example, despite claims of economic improvement, approximately six in ten adults believe Trump’s policies have made the cost of living worse rather than better.

Immigration approval has also declined noticeably since early 2025, when nearly half of respondents supported his approach. That support has steadily eroded, reflecting growing concerns about enforcement tactics and their impact on communities.

Overall, the data suggest that Trump’s portrayal of widespread success does not align with how much of the public views his performance.

Concerns About Presidential Priorities

Beyond individual issues, many Americans question whether Trump is focusing on the right goals. About half of those surveyed believe his priorities are misplaced, while far fewer feel he is addressing the issues most important to everyday Americans.

This perception matters because it speaks not just to policy outcomes, but to broader leadership judgment and direction.

How This Term Compares to the First

Trump’s approval ratings during his second term closely resemble those from his first presidency, which were historically low compared with recent presidents. Aggregated polling shows that disapproval levels today mirror—or in some cases exceed—those seen at similar points during his earlier administration.

While his base remains highly supportive, national approval continues to hover well below the 50% mark typically associated with broad public consensus.

Demographic Divides Remain Strong

Polling consistently shows higher disapproval among younger Americans, independents, and many racial and ethnic minority groups. Gen Z voters, in particular, express some of the strongest opposition, with approval rates among younger adults declining over the past year.

A Wall Street Journal survey from January 2026 placed Trump’s overall approval at roughly 45%, again showing a majority disapproving—especially on economic management and foreign policy.

These results highlight the sharp partisan divide: approval among Trump voters remains extremely high, while support among the broader electorate remains limited.

Events Shaping Public Opinion

Several developments over the past year have influenced public sentiment:

• Immigration enforcement actions in states such as Minnesota and Maine have sparked protests and backlash.

• Demonstrations against federal immigration policies have occurred nationwide.

• Foreign policy decisions involving Venezuela and disputes over Greenland have fueled debate about U.S. global strategy.

These events shape public opinion not only because of their outcomes, but because of how leadership decisions are perceived to affect stability at home and abroad.

Understanding the Polling Data

Public opinion polls offer a snapshot rather than a permanent verdict, and attitudes can shift with economic changes or major events. Still, multiple reputable surveys show similar patterns:

• Approval ratings generally between 37% and 40%

• Disapproval hovering around 55% to 60%

• Strong partisan polarization

Because these trends appear across different polling organizations and methodologies, they point to a consistent national mood rather than an outlier result.

Political Implications Going Forward

Persistently low approval ratings can have consequences beyond public perception. As midterm elections and future campaigns approach, weak approval among independents and swing voters may affect congressional races and legislative agendas.

Historically, presidents with approval ratings below 50% often face challenges expanding their political coalition and sustaining momentum.

Conclusion: A Divided Public Perspective

Donald Trump’s second term continues to generate sharp divisions. Supporters applaud his assertive style and policy focus, particularly on immigration and trade.

Yet independent polling consistently shows that a majority of Americans remain dissatisfied with his handling of key issues and question his priorities.

Rather than reflecting unified national endorsement, the data reveal a deeply polarized electorate—one in which Trump’s claims of broad success are met with considerable skepticism.

The polling underscores a central reality of contemporary American politics: official narratives and public opinion do not always align, and national sentiment remains complex, divided, and far from unanimous.