President Donald Trump’s approval rating has experienced notable fluctuations since his re-entry into the White House.
Initially, his favourability surged, reaching unprecedented heights, however recent polls indicate a clear and consistent downward trend, reflecting the dynamic nature of public opinion in response to his administration’s actions and policies.
Initial Surge in Approval
Upon his re-election in November 2024, President Trump’s favourability experienced a significant boost. An Emerson College poll reported his favourability at 54%, marking one of his highest ratings ever. This surge was particularly pronounced among men (61%) and specific age groups, notably those aged 40-59 (60%) and under 30 (55%). Additionally, 59% of white voters and 53% of Hispanic voters viewed him favourably at that time.
This positive sentiment extended into the transition period. Polling data from American Pulse in December 2024 indicated that nearly 55% of Americans felt hopeful, excited, or relieved about the election outcome. Furthermore, Pew Research found that 53% approved of Trump’s future plans, with emotions such as excitement (22%) and relief (28%) being predominant.
Peak Favourability
In January 2025, President Trump’s favourability reached a milestone. For the first time, his net favorability turned positive in the RealClearPolitics Average of Polls, with 49.4% viewing him favourably against 47.6% unfavorably. This shift indicated growing public approval as he prepared for his second term.
Decline in Approval Ratings
Despite the initial optimism, recent polls suggest a decline in President Trump’s approval ratings. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from January 24-26th, 2025, revealed that 45% of participants approved of Trump’s actions during his first week back in office, marking a 2-point decrease from earlier in the month. Conversely, his disapproval rating rose by 7 percentage points, from 39% to 46%.
Similarly, an Emerson College Polling survey released on January 30th, 2025, showed President Trump’s approval rating at 49%, aligning with his support level during the 2024 presidential election. Notably, his disapproval rating stood at 41%, the lowest recorded by Emerson since the start of his first term, while 10% remained neutral.
Factors Influencing the Decline
Several factors have contributed to the recent decline in President Trump’s approval ratings:
Executive Actions: During his first week back in office, President Trump issued a series of executive orders that elicited mixed reactions. Notably, his decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement faced disapproval from 59% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll. Additionally, his efforts to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices within federal offices were met with dissatisfaction from just under 60% of respondents.
Immigration Policies: The administration’s new deportation measures have polarized public opinion. Approximately 48% of Americans approved of Trump’s approach to immigration and border security, while 41% disapproved, indicating a nation divided on these issues.
Cabinet Nominations: Public opinion on President Trump’s Cabinet picks has been divided. In a recent Economist/YouGov poll, 42% of respondents approved of his nominations, while 40% disapproved. Individual nominees received varying levels of support, with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State garnering 48% approval against 32% disapproval.
Public Sentiment on Policy Directions
The public’s perception of the country’s direction has also shifted. The Emerson College Polling survey indicated a significant increase in the percentage of those who believe the country is heading in the right direction, with 52% expressing this view. This marks a notable change from earlier in the month when two-thirds felt the country was on the wrong track.
This shift is largely attributed to a change in Republican perspectives and a decrease in independents who view the country’s direction negatively.
As Trump’s second term progresses, these ratings are likely to continue to evolve in response to the administration’s performance and the public’s perception of its impact on the nation.
