All U.S. presidents have to deal with fluctuating approval ratings. The American people are not known for being quiet when it comes to their opinion of the White House — or Congress, for that matter.
Trump is no stranger to the ebb and flow of national ratings. Polymarket traders seem confident at 99% that he’ll top 40% by June 1.
But before we get into his second term (so far), here’s a historical snapshot of his first term, using data from multiple polling sources..
2017: A Divisive Debut
- Start of Term (Jan): ~45% approval
- 100-Day Mark (Apr): Dropped to ~40%
- End of Year: Averaged ~38–39%
- Notables: Travel ban, ACA repeal attempts, Charlottesville response, and tax reform shaped early polarization.
2018: Holding Steady in the Low 40s
- Year Average: ~41–42% approval
- Midterm Season (Nov): ~40%
- Notables: Government shutdown standoff, Mueller probe headlines, and strong economy buoyed his base, but he remained underwater overall.
2019: Impeachment Era
- Pre-Impeachment (Jan–Sep): ~42–43%
- Post-Impeachment Vote (Dec): ~45%
- Notables: Ukraine scandal and impeachment boosted GOP support, but little movement with independents or Democrats.
2020: Pandemic and Protest
- COVID Onset (Mar): Brief bump to ~47%
- Summer (BLM protests, COVID missteps): Dropped to ~38–40%
- Election (Nov): ~44%
- Notables: Pandemic response, economic fallout, and George Floyd protests defined the year.
2021 (Jan): Capitol Riot Fallout
- Final Gallup Approval (Jan 4–15): 34%
- Notables: His lowest rating ever came after the Jan. 6 insurrection and second impeachment proceedings.
Where Are Trump’s Ratings Now?
Trump’s second term, after defeating Joe Biden, may have seemed no less divisive among the electorate — however, his ratings were actually higher.
January 2025: A Modest Start
- Approval Range: 47%–57%
Notable Polls:
- Gallup: 47%
- Napolitan/RMG Research: 57%
Context: Trump began his second term with slightly higher approval ratings compared to the start of his first term, reflecting a modest “honeymoon” period.
February 2025: Early Declines
- Approval Range: 44%–53%
Notable Polls:
- Reuters/Ipsos: 44%
- Napolitan/RMG Research: 53%
Context: Approval ratings began to decline as the administration implemented controversial policies, including sweeping tariffs and executive orders.
March 2025: Continued Slippage
- Approval Range: 42%–52%
Notable Polls:
- Quinnipiac University: 42%
- Napolitan News Service: 52%
Context: Economic concerns and policy decisions led to further declines in approval ratings.
April 2025: Lowest Point
- Approval Range: 39%–49%
Notable Polls:
- Associated Press/NORC: 39%
- Napolitan News Service: 49%
Context: Public dissatisfaction peaked due to economic volatility and policy controversies.
May 2025: Slight Uptick Amidst Challenges
- Approval Range: 42%–44%
Notable Polls:
- Reuters/Ipsos: 42%
- Gallup: 44%
Context: While approval ratings saw a slight increase, economic concerns and policy decisions continued to weigh heavily on public opinion.
