Overview
As President Donald Trump approaches the 100-day milestone of his second term, his approval ratings have plummeted to unprecedented lows. Recent polls indicate a significant decline in public support, with approval ratings ranging between 39% and 46%, and disapproval ratings exceeding 50% in most surveys. This downturn is attributed to controversial policy decisions, economic concerns, and increasing political polarization.
National Approval Ratings: A Downward Trend
Multiple national polls conducted in early May 2025 reveal a consistent decline in President Trump's approval ratings:
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Forbes: Reports approval ratings of 42%, 46%, and 41% across three recent surveys.
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Economist/YouGov: Finds 42% approval and 52% disapproval, resulting in a net approval of 10
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Pew Research Center: Indicates a 40% approval rating, a 7-point drop since February .
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Real Clear Politics Aggregate: Shows an average approval of 45.2% and disapproval of 51.1%, yielding a net approval of -5.9 .
These figures mark some of the lowest approval ratings for a U.S. president at this stage in office since the mid-20th century.
State-Level Approval: Declines in Key Regions
President Trump's approval ratings have also declined in several states, including traditionally Republican strongholds:
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Texas and Florida: Approval ratings have fallen below 50%, indicating waning support in these critical states .
Swing States: States such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin show approval ratings in the low 40s, raising concerns for the administration's political strategy.
The erosion of support in these regions could have significant implications for upcoming elections and policy initiatives.
Factors Contributing to Declining Approval
Economic Policies and Recession Fears
The administration's economic policies, particularly the implementation of tariffs and cuts to government programs, have sparked concerns among voters:
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Tariffs: A majority of Americans disapprove of increased tariffs, fearing potential trade wars and higher consumer prices
Government Cuts: Reductions in federal programs have led to criticism regarding the potential impact on essential services and vulnerable populations.
These economic decisions have contributed to a decline in public confidence in the administration's handling of the economy.
Political Polarization and Enthusiasm Gap
The political landscape has become increasingly polarized, with a notable enthusiasm gap emerging:
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Independent Voters: Support among independents has declined significantly, with only about one-third approving of the president's performance .
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Intensity of Sentiment: While 27.4% of Americans "strongly approve" of Trump, a larger 41.9% "strongly disapprove," indicating a substantial imbalance in sentiment intensity.
This enthusiasm gap could pose challenges for the administration in mobilizing support for future initiatives.
Public Perception of the First 100 Days
As the administration reaches its 100-day mark, public perception remains largely negative
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NPR Poll: Nearly half of Americans assign a failing grade to President Trump's performance thus far, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction .
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Policy Decisions: Controversial actions, such as the suspension of habeas corpus for undocumented migrants and significant tariff increases, have drawn criticism from various sectors.
These factors contribute to the overall decline in approval ratings and raise questions about the administration's direction.
Conclusion
President Trump's approval ratings have experienced a significant decline in May 2025, reaching historic lows both nationally and in key states. Economic concerns, controversial policy decisions, and increasing political polarization have all contributed to this downturn. As the administration moves forward, addressing these issues will be critical to regaining public support and ensuring effective governance.
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