Eye-opening approval ratings reveal what Americans truly think about Trump’s second term
Listening to Donald Trump or members of his administration, one can easily come away with the impression that their achievements are not only substantial but historically unmatched. From tariffs that have generated increased revenue for the U.S. Treasury to assertions of record-low gas prices and economic strength, Trump frequently frames his leadership as an era of unprecedented success. Supporters often echo this narrative, presenting Trump’s policy agenda as bold and effective.
At the same time, Trump has long been criticized for blending exaggeration, selective facts, and outright misleading statements into sweeping claims of success. Numerous fact-checking organizations have documented repeated false or misleading assertions in speeches and official remarks from Trump and senior White House figures. Critics argue that this tendency to dramatize gains and downplay setbacks contributes to a disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
That disconnect is particularly evident in public opinion. Trump regularly presents his presidency as a story of momentum and widespread approval, but multiple national polls show a very different picture. According to recent aggregation of several surveys, approval ratings for Trump’s performance remain consistently below 50 percent, with disapproval holding a solid lead in many measures of national sentiment.
Approval on key policy areas similarly shows skepticism among U.S. adults. Economy polls indicate a plurality of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of economic issues, including inflation and cost of living concerns — even as Trump highlights selective data like lower energy prices. Majorities also express disapproval of his approach to immigration and foreign policy, reflecting broader unease with elements of his agenda.
Tariff policy, a centerpiece of Trump’s economic narrative, illustrates this divide. While tariff revenue has grown — adding hundreds of billions in customs duties — independent analyses show that much of the cost has been borne by U.S. consumers and businesses, and consumer confidence has been negatively affected. These complexities contrast sharply with the administration’s portrayal of tariffs as an unqualified economic success.
Public opinion remains resistant to Trump’s optimistic framing, and that trend shows up in multiple surveys. Recent polls suggest roughly four in ten Americans approve of Trump’s overall job performance, while a majority disapproves. Disapproval is particularly strong on issues like the economy and immigration, and support among key demographics such as younger voters has declined sharply, reflecting deep polarization rather than broad consensus on leadership.
Taken together, the data suggest that Trump’s second term has not produced the surge in public support often implied by his own statements. While he retains a loyal base and continues to dominate political discourse, a majority of Americans remain unconvinced by the broader success narrative. How these perceptions evolve over the remainder of his term — and how they may influence elections and policy debates — remains a defining question of the current political landscape.
