Jaw-Dropping Approval Ratings Reveal What Americans Really Think About Donald Trump

Overall Job Approval: Unfavorable Majority

Across multiple national polls, Trump’s overall approval rating is underwater, meaning more Americans disapprove than approve of his performance in office.

• A recent Economist/YouGov poll shows that only 39 % of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 57 % disapprove, giving him a net approval score of –18 — one of the lowest of his second term. (today.yougov.com)
• The Pew Research Center survey found his approval at around 37 %, down from earlier in the year, with half of adults saying his actions have been worse than expected. (Pew Research Center)

These figures suggest that, a year into his second term, Trump’s overall popularity remains significantly challenged among the broader electorate.

Declining Confidence Across Demographics

The polling data reveal shifts not only overall but within key groups:

• Support among independent voters — often pivotal in national elections — has fallen to record lows in some surveys. (today.yougov.com)
• Even among Republicans, confidence in Trump’s leadership qualities and some policy areas has weakened compared with earlier measures, though overall support inside the party remains high. (Pew Research Center)

Issue-Specific Ratings Tell a Bigger Story

Americans are not just judging Trump’s job performance in the abstract — they are also critical of how he’s handled specific policy areas:

• Immigration policy approval has dipped sharply, with one Reuters/Ipsos poll finding only 39 % support and majority disapproval, the lowest for this issue since his return to office. (Reuters)
• On economic leadership — traditionally a strong suit for Republican presidents — recent data suggest many Americans express dissatisfaction, tying Trump’s ratings on this front to broader concerns about affordability and cost of living. (prnewswire.com)

These issue-level trends help explain why Americans’ overall impressions are mixed or negative.

Why It Matters

Approval ratings are more than just statistics — they influence political power and political momentum. A persistent negative net approval can:

• Affect congressional elections, especially midterms
• Shift voter enthusiasm and turnout in key demographic groups
• Influence how political coalitions form around major issues

The current data show that while Trump remains popular with his party’s base, his broader national appeal is constrained and, in several polls, on the decline.