Trump’s Second-Term Approval Ratings Reveal What Americans Really Think
Listen to Donald Trump and members of his administration speak for any length of time, and you could easily come away believing their success—and their popularity—is unmatched in modern history.
From the president’s telling, his tariff strategy has poured billions into the U.S. economy, gas prices are at record lows, and his plan to make America stronger, healthier, and wealthier is not just on track, but ahead of schedule.
But Trump has long been associated with half-truths—and at times outright falsehoods—presented as undeniable reality. And the senior figures around him have tied their political futures to his, choosing to stand with one of the most divisive U.S. presidents in living memory.
Which is to say: not everyone is as thrilled with Trump’s leadership as he suggests. Most notably, the American public.
If you’ve followed U.S. politics since last January, when Trump was officially sworn in for his second term, you’ll know he moved quickly to use presidential power to drive sweeping change.
Trump insists he has taken steps to prevent wars from erupting worldwide. Yet some of his recent actions have carried a more imperial tone—such as the effort to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and the threats to annex Greenland, a territory belonging to NATO ally Denmark.
Add to that the very real unrest in multiple states, the administration’s aggressive posture on immigration, and Trump’s alleged links to the infamous Epstein files (which still have not been fully released), and it becomes difficult to picture a scenario in which Trump’s popularity has grown since returning to office.
Of course, Trump is Trump—and if anyone can project control and confidence even when conditions suggest otherwise, it is him.
Still, an AP-NORC poll conducted this month offers a clearer look at his standing, and it does not match the picture of broad success and public celebration Trump often claims. (AP News)
The survey found that roughly four in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance as president so far—virtually unchanged from March 2025, about two months after he returned to office. (AP News)
According to the poll, as of January 8, 2026, 59% of U.S. adults disapprove of the way Trump is handling his job, while 40% approve. (AP-NORC)
The latest AP-NORC results also found:
Handling of the economy: 37% approve, 62% disapprove
Handling of immigration: 38% approve, 61% disapprove
Handling of foreign policy: 37% approve, 61% disapprove
Handling of trade negotiations: 37% approve, 61% disapprove (AP-NORC)
What do you make of Trump’s first year back in office? Share your thoughts in the comments.