In brief
President Donald Trump's second term has been marked by stable yet low approval ratings. According to a recent AP-NORC poll, only about 4 in 10 Americans approve of his performance, with his handling of the economy and immigration drawing significant criticism. Despite his focus on foreign policy, Trump's approval ratings have remained relatively unchanged, indicating a persistent skepticism among the public. This article delves into the factors affecting Trump's approval and the implications for his presidency.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's second term has been eventful. You wouldn't know it from his approval numbers.
An AP-NORC poll from January shows that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump's performance as president, a figure that hasn't changed much since March 2025.
The poll does show subtle signs of vulnerability for the Republican president. Despite his assertions of an economic boom, many Americans remain skeptical. His approval ratings on immigration, a key issue for him, have also declined since he first took office.
Historically, Trump's approval numbers have been strikingly stable; early in his first term, 42% of Americans approved of his presidency. This pattern suggests a potential shift in how Americans view political approval, a contrast to President Joe Biden's experience, whose approval ratings have fluctuated more significantly.
Many Americans hold critical views of Trump, particularly regarding his prioritization of issues. Surveys indicate that approximately half of U.S. adults believe he's focusing on the wrong priorities. Trump's handling of economic issues has faced scrutiny, with only 37% approving of his performance in that area, indicating a significant challenge as he seeks to portray economic success amidst widespread public skepticism.
In terms of immigration policy, only 38% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's approach, a decrease from previous measurements. Furthermore, a notable portion of Americans feel he has gone too far with deportations.
As Trump transitions his focus to foreign policy, disapproval remains high; about 60% of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with his approach, signaling a risk for his presidency as he navigates both domestic and international challenges.
The AP-NORC poll reflects a sample of 1,203 adults conducted from January 8-11, highlighting the importance of public sentiment amidst the complexities of Trump's second term.
