Busy Leadership, Mixed Public Reaction

Donald Trump’s second term has been active and controversial. Since returning to the White House, he has pushed changes on immigration, trade, and international policy — and even directed updates at the White House itself. Trump also says his administration is working to reduce global conflicts and prevent instability. However, recent polling suggests these efforts haven’t significantly boosted his public standing.

Approval Ratings Remain Low

More than a year into Trump’s second term, approval ratings show consistent public dissatisfaction. A January 2026 AP‑NORC poll found that about 40 % of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s job performance, while roughly 59 % disapprove.

This figure has changed little since March 2025, shortly after Trump took office. In other words, Trump has yet to significantly improve his standing among the broader public despite an eventful start to his presidency.

Disapproval Across Major Issues

Polls show broad disapproval across key policy areas:

• Economy: Only around 37 % approve of Trump’s economic performance.

• Immigration: About 38 % approve his immigration handling.

• Foreign Affairs & Trade: Both also sit near the high‑30s approval range.

In each area, majorities of respondents express disapproval.

These ratings reflect how Trump’s actions — from strong stances on international relations to tough immigration enforcement — have failed to sway a large share of Americans.

Broader Polling Context

Additional recent surveys confirm these trends: other polls show Trump’s overall job approval sinking into the mid‑30 % range, with disapproval outpacing support by significant margins. Some have called this a second‑term low for Trump’s ratings.

Across different polls, public opinion remains sharply divided along party lines. While Trump maintains strong support among Republican voters, many independents and most Democrats express dissatisfaction with his agenda and leadership style.

What This Means Politically

These approval numbers suggest that Trump’s policies have yet to win over a broad segment of the American public. Even amid claims of foreign policy and immigration success, many voters remain unconvinced of his approach. As midterm elections and future presidential contests approach, these poll results could shape political dynamics in Washington.