At the 100-day milestone of President Donald Trump’s second term, new polls reveal a mixed public opinion. While Republican support remains strong, overall approval ratings are slipping, and concerns about the economy, tariffs, and immigration policies are growing.
Approval Ratings: Higher Than First Term, But Facing Challenges
Polls show Trump’s current approval rating stands slightly higher than during his first term, mainly due to Republican loyalty. However, his approval rating remains in the low-to-mid-40% range, far below the “honeymoon period” ratings past presidents enjoyed.
- NBC News Stay Tuned Poll: 45% approve, 55% disapprove.
- Republicans: 88% approval rate.
- Independents: 68% disapprove.
- Democrats: 93% disapprove.
Older Americans, white voters, and those with lower education levels are more supportive, whereas young, highly educated, and nonwhite voters (especially Black Americans) express higher dissatisfaction.
Comparison with Previous Presidents
Trump’s average 45% approval in Gallup’s 2025 first quarter polling falls significantly below the post-World War II average of 59%. In comparison, Joe Biden enjoyed a 56% approval rating at the same point in his presidency.
Economic Concerns: Inflation and Tariffs Erode Confidence
Economic performance was a key factor in Trump’s 2024 election victory. Yet, just months into his second term, public confidence is weakening:
- New York Times/Siena Poll: 50% believe Trump has worsened the economy, 27% say it’s unchanged, and 21% feel it’s improved.
- CNBC Economic Survey: 43% approval on economy handling.
- NBC News Poll: 44% approval on economy.
Americans are particularly concerned about rising inflation and sweeping global tariffs:
- 61% disapprove of Trump’s trade and tariff policies.
- 54% expect tariffs to negatively impact personal finances.
- 57% believe a recession is looming or already underway.
Polling also indicates skepticism about Trump’s ability to negotiate favorable trade deals and manage tax policies effectively.
Immigration: Trump’s Strongest, Yet Divisive, Issue
Immigration and border security continue to be Trump’s strongest areas:
- NBC News Stay Tuned: 49% approve of border security efforts.
- New York Times/Siena College Poll: 47% approval on immigration handling.
- CNBC Survey: 53% approve of southern border handling, 52% approve of deportations.
However, concerns are rising about the aggressiveness of his deportation policies:
- 59% oppose revoking visas for students protesting U.S. foreign policy.
- 45% believe deportation efforts have “gone too far” (Economist/YouGov).
Notably, while many support deporting undocumented immigrants involved in crimes, a majority oppose deporting those who have lived legally for over 10 years without criminal records.
Elon Musk and DOGE: Public Skepticism Grows
Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has faced widespread criticism:
- 59% of adults have an unfavorable view of Musk.
- 55% believe Musk holds too much political power (Wall Street Journal).
Public opinion is divided over DOGE’s aggressive approach to shrinking federal agencies:
- 46% say DOGE is a good idea, while 40% believe it’s bad.
- Many call for the department to slow down and better assess its impact.
Despite skepticism, some voters agree that government efficiency needs urgent reforms but disagree on the execution speed.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Disapproval Dominates
Trump’s push to dismantle DEI programs in workplaces and schools is widely unpopular:
- 61% disapprove of Trump’s handling of DEI initiatives.
- Nearly two-thirds believe DEI programs are beneficial to society.
Foreign Policy: Negative Ratings Persist
Trump’s foreign policy approach is another weak area:
- 53% disapprove of his foreign policy decisions (CNBC).
- 54% disapprove of his handling of foreign conflicts (New York Times/Siena).
- 56% specifically disapprove of his approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Conclusion: Warning Signs Ahead for Trump
As President Trump concludes his first 100 days of the second term, he faces a deeply divided electorate. Although Republican support bolsters his numbers, issues such as the economy, immigration enforcement, tariff wars, and foreign conflicts are creating serious headwinds.
With slipping support among independent voters and minority groups, Trump’s path forward demands careful navigation to maintain momentum and rebuild broader public trust.
