Eye-opening approval ratings reveal what Americans truly think about Trump’s second term
Donald Trump and his allies portray his presidency as a stretch of historic success, pointing to tariffs, energy prices, and a fast-moving agenda they say is strengthening the country. Supporters see momentum; critics argue he often overstates achievements and relies on selective facts, deepening the gap between the White House narrative and outside perception.
That divide is reflected in public opinion. Since returning to office last January, Trump has used executive power aggressively, energizing his base while alarming opponents. He casts himself as a stabilizing global figure, but recent foreign policy rhetoric and domestic unrest have fueled debate about his direction. Immigration crackdowns and lingering controversies continue to weigh on his image.
Polling shows a nation still split. A recent AP-NORC survey finds about four in ten Americans approve of his job performance, while roughly six in ten disapprove — numbers that have barely shifted since early in his second term. Similar majorities express dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and trade.
The result is a presidency defined less by a surge in support than by persistent polarization, with Trump’s message of triumph colliding with a public that remains unconvinced. Whether that gap narrows or widens will shape the rest of his term.
