In brief
A recent AP-NORC poll highlights a shift in President Donald Trump's approval ratings as he navigates his second term in office. While his administration sees stronger support for border security and crime, economic approval has seen a notable decline, particularly among independent voters. Moreover, Trump's handling of immigration remains somewhat robust despite a general drop from earlier this year.
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a shift from his first term, President Donald Trump’s second-term strengths are taking shape differently according to new polling data.
While once buoyed by strong economic support, Trump's approval ratings on the economy have seen a decline, leading him to rely more on issues such as border security and crime. Polling over the past year indicates a lack of confidence among Americans regarding Trump’s economic management, particularly within the independent demographic.
Currently, Trump’s strongest issues include border security and crime. However, recent polling suggests emerging vulnerabilities on crime, as indicated by data from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Trump’s overall approval has remained relatively stable in AP-NORC polling, with 39% of U.S. adults expressing approval of his presidential duties, aligning closely with his average rating after a brief increase in August. During his first term, his approval hovered within a narrow range as well.
Trump’s Strengths: Border Security and Crime
Trump has effectively repositioned border security as a key strength in his second term, which marks a significant contrast to his initial term. A greater majority of Americans now approve of his border security policies more than other areas of governance or previous strengths such as immigration and crime.
Initially, only 4 in 10 Americans approved of Trump's border security measures back in 2019 when he was advocating for funding a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
While Trump's immigration approval remains slightly lower than earlier in his second term, it still stands above his overall approval rating, with recent figures showing 43% of adults supporting his immigration approach, compared to earlier approval ratings close to 50%.
Importantly, a notable number of Americans (about half) feel that Trump has gone too far regarding measures aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants—an opinion that has remained consistent over time.
Trump's approval rating regarding his crime policies has dipped to 46% from 53%, showcasing that, while still outperforming his overall approval, there is potential weakening support, especially pertaining to independent voters, of whom only around 40% approve of his crime approach.
Weakness in Economic Management Among Independents
In many administrations, economic performance is a vital issue, and current indications show ongoing concerns among Americans regarding the nation’s economic trajectory. Only 37% of U.S. adults currently approve of Trump’s management of economic issues, a decrease from 43% in August.
Critically, Trump's economic handling is significantly weaker among independents, with only 20% approving of his economic policies compared to higher ratings for border security and crime.
During his first term, close to half of Americans endorsed his economic approach, particularly before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted economic conditions, causing a downward trend in approval ratings that have lingered throughout his second term.
Challenges on Trade and Healthcare
Among Republicans, Trump's lowest approval ratings come from his stance on trade and healthcare, with only about 70% expressing approval—far below his typical levels of support.
Moreover, only one-third of U.S. adults approve of his handling of either trade negotiations or healthcare, aligning with consistently low ratings across recent AP-NORC surveys.
Foreign Policy Ratings Remain Steady
As for Trump’s management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recent polling shows 37% approval, a slight decline from March's figures. This trend includes a minor decrease in support from both Republicans and Democrats.
Overall, Trump's foreign policy approval remains stable at about 40%, reflecting steady sentiment amidst a tumultuous political landscape.
