Trump Begins Second Term With One of the Worst Approval Ratings in Modern History

Trump’s Approval Among the Lowest for a Returning President

As Donald Trump begins his second term, his approval ratings provide insight into public sentiment and political polarization. While his early second-term approval rating is higher than at the start of his first term in 2017, they remain among the lowest for a returning president in modern history.

Presidents often experience a “honeymoon phase” of high early approval, but Trump’s ratings suggest continued division within the electorate.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of his approval ratings, comparisons to previous presidents, and key trends shaping his presidency: The White House / Wikimedia

Trump’s Early Second-Term Approval: A Mixed Start

Polling data from FiveThirtyEight indicates that President Trump's net approval rating was +8 points on January 27, 2025, with 49% approving and 41% disapproving. By February 20, this margin had narrowed to +1.3 points, reflecting a decline in early support.

While this represents an improvement from his first-term approval rating in 2017, it remains lower than that of most past presidents at the start of their terms. Factors such as economic performance, foreign policy decisions, and major legislative efforts will be key in shaping public perception in the months ahead. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cristian L. Ricardo / Wikimedia

Public Opinion Reflects a Divided Electorate

Trump has consistently maintained strong support among his base but faces challenges in broadening his appeal. His approval ratings show that while he retains core Republican support, he remains a polarizing figure among independents and Democrats.

Unlike past presidents who have received broader bipartisan approval upon taking office, Trump’s numbers indicate a continued ideological divide. The White House / Wikimedia

Approval Ratings Before Recent Foreign Policy Statements

It is important to note that these polling figures were recorded before Trump’s recent statements on Russia and Ukraine, which some analysts suggest could impact future approval ratings.

Historically, foreign policy decisions and global events have influenced presidential approval ratings, making it likely that upcoming polls will reflect public reaction to his stance. President Of Ukraine from Україна / Wikimedia

Trump’s 2025 Approval Compared to His 2017 Ratings

According to FiveThirtyEight's aggregated data, on January 20, 2017, Trump's approval rating was approximately 45.5%, with a disapproval rating of about 41.3%, resulting in a net approval of +4.2 percentage points.

His 2025 approval shows an increase in early support, but the gap between approval and disapproval has narrowed, indicating shifting public perception. The White House / Wikimedia

Second-Lowest Approval Rating Since WWII

According to The Telegraph, Trump’s early second-term approval rating is the second-lowest for any newly inaugurated president since World War II.

The only president to enter office with a lower net approval rating was Trump himself in 2017. This trend reflects ongoing political divisions and challenges in public perception. The White House / Wikimedia

How Trump’s Approval Compares to Other Presidents

Public approval ratings provide an important barometer of a president’s standing among voters. Historically, U.S. presidents have started their terms with strong approval before facing political and economic challenges. Trump’s numbers, however, rank among the lowest.

Here’s how his early approval compares to other presidents in their first months in office: Ramaz Bluashvili / Pexels

Barack Obama

Upon taking office in January 2009, Barack Obama had an approval rating of 67%, with a net approval of +54% (Gallup, 2009). His strong early support was largely attributed to optimism following the 2008 financial crisis and high public confidence in his leadership. Obama’s approval remained relatively stable during his first year, though he later faced political challenges, particularly during the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo, U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia

George W. Bush

Upon taking office in January 2001, George W. Bush had an approval rating of 57%, with a net approval of +32% (Gallup, 2001). Following the September 11 attacks, his approval rating surged to 90%, the highest ever recorded for a U.S. president. Eric Draper / Wikimedia

Bill Clinton

Upon taking office in January 1993, Bill Clinton had an approval rating of 58%, with a net approval of +38% (Gallup, 1993). His numbers dipped in his first year due to early political missteps, but a booming economy later boosted his approval significantly. EC AV Portal / Wikimedia

Joe Biden

Upon taking office in January 2021, Joe Biden had an approval rating of 57%, with a net approval of +20% (Gallup, 2021). His strong early support was largely attributed to optimism following the 2020 election and high public confidence in his leadership. Biden's approval remained relatively stable during his first few months, though he later faced political challenges, particularly related to inflation and foreign policy issues. The White House / Wikimedia

Ronald Reagan

Upon taking office in January 1981, Ronald Reagan had an approval rating of 51%, with a net approval of +38% (Gallup, 1981). His approval ratings experienced fluctuations during his presidency, influenced by various domestic and international events. Notably, his approval rating rebounded following policy successes and improved economic conditions. Series: Reagan White House Photographs, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989 / Wikimedia

John F. Kennedy

Upon taking office in January 1961, John F. Kennedy had an approval rating of 72%, with a net approval of +66% (Gallup, 1961). His popularity likely stemmed from charismatic leadership and Cold War optimism. State Library and Archives of Florida / Wikimedia

Dwight Eisenhower

Upon taking office in January 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower had an approval rating of 68%, with a net approval of +61% (Gallup, 1953), benefiting from his military leadership and bipartisan support. Warren K. Leffler / Wikimedia

Factors That Could Influence Trump’s Approval Moving Forward

As with past presidents, Trump’s approval ratings are expected to fluctuate based on policy decisions, economic conditions, and public perception. While his early second-term approval ratings indicate a divided electorate, several key factors will determine whether his support grows or declines in the coming months: The White House / Wikimedia

Economic Conditions

Historically, the state of the economy has been one of the strongest predictors of presidential approval. Trump’s economic policies—such as tax cuts, deregulation, and trade negotiations—have been central to his platform. If inflation continues at high levels, as seen in 2022 and 2023, public frustration over rising costs for essential goods like gas, food, and housing could harm his approval ratings. Similarly, if wages fail to keep up with inflation, dissatisfaction among working-class voters, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, may increase.

However, if Trump’s administration is able to curb inflation and stimulate economic growth, he could benefit politically. For example, if policies such as rolling back regulations on domestic oil production lead to lower gas prices, he may regain support from independent voters and suburban conservatives who were frustrated by the economic downturn of the early 2020s. The performance of the stock market and job creation numbers will also be key factors. John Guccione www.advergroup.com / Pexels

Foreign Policy Decisions

Presidential approval ratings often fluctuate in response to foreign policy developments, particularly when military conflicts or diplomatic negotiations are involved. Trump’s approach to international relations, including his stance on U.S. involvement in Ukraine and NATO, as well as his handling of tensions with China, Russia, and Iran, will likely impact his approval ratings. If he pursues a policy of military disengagement, such as reducing U.S. aid to Ukraine or withdrawing troops from overseas bases, he may gain favor among isolationist conservatives but risk alienating defense hawks within his own party. Kaboompics.com / Pexels

Legislative Success

The ability to push legislation through Congress is a defining factor in a president’s approval rating, and Trump’s success in passing key policies will shape public perception. If he is able to implement major economic reforms, such as additional tax cuts for the middle class or new infrastructure spending, his approval ratings may rise, particularly among independent voters and business-friendly conservatives. However, if Congress remains gridlocked—either due to resistance from Democrats or internal divisions within the Republican Party—his approval could take a hit as voters grow frustrated with the lack of legislative progress.

One key policy area will be healthcare. If Trump revives efforts to replace or reform the Affordable Care Act (ACA), public opinion will likely be divided, as previous attempts to repeal Obamacare in 2017 were met with significant opposition. If his administration proposes an alternative that reduces costs while maintaining coverage for pre-existing conditions, it could boost approval among moderates. However, if reforms are perceived as cutting access to healthcare without viable replacements, backlash could ensue. Krisztian Kormos / Pexels

Public Perception

Public perception, shaped by media coverage, political messaging, and high-profile events, will play a crucial role in determining Trump’s approval ratings. How his administration responds to controversies, legislative battles, and national crises will likely have a direct impact on public sentiment. Media coverage remains deeply polarized.

Social media will also play a defining role in shaping Trump’s public perception. If he returns to Twitter/X and other digital platforms with a disciplined communication strategy, focusing on policy successes rather than personal disputes, he may be able to boost approval among moderates. cottonbro studio / Pexels