Americans Weigh In on Trump: Approval Ratings Paint a Troubling Picture
If you ask Donald Trump, he would likely say his second term as president is proceeding exceptionally well — a period marked, in his words, by strength, stability, and historic success.
Through public statements and frequent posts on social media, Trump consistently projects an image of progress and accomplishment. He touts the end of long-standing military engagements, economic growth, tax reductions, and a renewed assertion of American strength abroad as defining achievements of his presidency.
In his own view, these milestones represent clear evidence of effective leadership.
Yet, independent opinion polls tell a very different story, suggesting that much of the public remains deeply dissatisfied with his performance and skeptical of his administration’s direction.
Economic Anxiety and Public Discontent
According to a CNN/SSRS poll conducted between October 27 and 30 among 1,245 adults nationwide, Trump’s approval rating has dropped to just 37%, one of the lowest points of his presidency.
This marks a ten-point decline from 47% in February, shortly after the start of his second term. Meanwhile, 63% of respondents disapprove of his performance — nearly identical to his all-time low recorded after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The data reflects a widening gap between Trump’s self-perception and the public’s reality — particularly regarding the economy and everyday living costs.
Nearly half of respondents (47%) identified the economy and rising cost of living as their top concern. Inflation continues to strain household budgets, with grocery prices, energy bills, and housing costs weighing heavily on working families and retirees alike.
The state of American democracy ranked second, with 26% of Americans citing it as their primary worry — a telling indicator of how deeply concerns about political stability and institutional integrity now resonate with the public.
Surprisingly, immigration, long a central focus of Trump’s platform, was named the top concern by only 10% of respondents, suggesting a shift in voter priorities toward domestic and economic issues.
Americans Say Trump’s Policies Have Made Things Worse
When asked about the broader impact of Trump’s policies, the results were stark.
A majority of Americans (61%) said his decisions have worsened the economy, while only 27% believe they have improved it. Many cited job growth, inflation, and financial insecurity as key areas of concern.
On the world stage, 56% of respondents said Trump’s foreign policy has damaged America’s global standing, compared with 32% who believe it has strengthened it.
Confidence in Trump’s management of both domestic and international affairs appears to have eroded considerably since his first term.
Equally troubling to many voters is the perception that Trump has overstepped his constitutional authority. Roughly 61% of those surveyed said the president has exceeded his constitutional powers, citing unilateral executive orders, deployment of the National Guard in politically charged situations, and military actions abroad without congressional approval.
These findings highlight a growing debate over presidential power and accountability — a question that has loomed large throughout Trump’s time in office.
Midterm Elections and Political Fallout
As the midterm elections draw closer, these attitudes are expected to play a critical role in shaping voter behavior.
The poll found that 41% of Americans view their upcoming congressional vote as a direct opportunity to oppose Trump, while only 21% say they will vote to support him.
That imbalance suggests a deep reservoir of discontent that could significantly influence the balance of power in Congress.
Voters are expressing mounting frustration over rising costs, political division, and uncertainty about the country’s direction. If current trends continue, the political consequences could be substantial — not only for Trump but for his party as a whole.
Trump Dismisses “Fake Polls”
In typical fashion, Trump has rejected unfavorable polling data, denouncing it as biased or “fake.”
Posting to Truth Social, he wrote:
“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats and Far Left Wingers. In the Fair Polls, and even the Reasonable Polls, I have the Best Numbers I have ever had and, why shouldn’t I?
I ended eight Wars, created the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country, kept Prices, Inflation, and Taxes down, and am setting standards for Right Track / Wrong Track for a future U.S.A.
Fake News will never change, they are evil and corrupt but, as I look around my beautiful surroundings, I say to myself, ‘Oh, look, I’m sitting in the Oval Office!’”
Trump’s defiant tone is consistent with his long-standing approach to criticism — one that frames unfavorable coverage and polling as politically motivated attacks.
However, the data presents a consistent narrative: a majority of Americans are unhappy with his handling of key issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and respect for democratic norms.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Placed in historical perspective, Trump’s 37% approval rating stands well below the average for U.S. presidents at a similar point in their terms.
While fluctuations in popularity are common — often influenced by wars, recessions, or crises — Trump’s persistently low numbers suggest a deeper polarization within the electorate.
For comparison, presidents like George W. Bush and Bill Clinton endured periods of low approval amid controversy or economic strain, but both later recovered as conditions improved. Trump, however, faces a more entrenched divide, where political allegiance often determines perception more than performance.
His 63% disapproval signals not just dissatisfaction, but also a profound loss of public trust in the presidency’s direction.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, these numbers reflect more than mere disapproval — they capture a national unease about leadership, governance, and the future of American democracy.
Rising inflation, stagnant wages, energy concerns, and political polarization have combined to create an atmosphere of discontent.
At the same time, many Americans are increasingly uneasy with how Trump exercises power and challenges institutional limits — a dynamic that could shape not only his legacy but the future of the presidency itself.
Conclusion
While Donald Trump continues to portray his presidency as a story of success and resurgence, the majority of Americans disagree.
Polls show deepening concerns about economic hardship, governance, and executive overreach. As the midterm elections approach, the widening gulf between Trump’s narrative of triumph and public perceptions of failure could have lasting political consequences.
Whether this divide narrows or widens in the months ahead will likely determine not only the outcome of the midterms but also the broader trajectory of Trump’s political legacy — and the direction of American democracy itself.
