Trump’s Second Term Approval Ratings Struggle Despite Border Security Progress

Trump’s Approval Ratings Dip Amidst Border Security Achievements

As President Donald Trump navigates his second term in office, recent polling reveals a concerning trend for the administration. Approval ratings remain slightly below the positive threshold. According to a national survey conducted by Marquette Law School, Trump holds a 46 percent approval rating while disapproval stands at 54 percent. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll further indicates his approval rate is at 42 percent, with 52 percent disapproval.

The majority of recent national surveys suggest Trump’s approval numbers are in negative territory, although a few polls do show him with slightly better ratings. Nevertheless, the overall picture remains challenging for the incumbent president.

Executive Actions and Policies in Focus

Since taking office for the second time, Trump has aggressively utilized executive authority. He has made significant efforts to overturn established government policies, implementing a series of sweeping and often controversial executive orders aimed at reshaping federal operations. Many of these actions address grievances the president has held since his first term in office.

After starting with favorable polling numbers, Trump’s ratings began their downturn shortly after his late January inauguration. Among key issues where he appears to maintain some ground are border security and immigration, pivotal topics during his successful 2024 campaign.

Border Security: The Bright Spot in Polls

In the Marquette Law School poll conducted between May 5 and May 15, Trump received a 56 percent approval rating on border security. Additionally, his immigration policies saw a 50 percent approval rating. These figures suggest that while some constituents support his approaches to border control and immigration, they do not appear to significantly improve his overall public approval.

Public Perception of Immigration Issues

Daron Shaw, a member of the Fox News Decision Team and a political science professor at the University of Texas, shares insights on the shifting perceptions regarding immigration. He notes that immigration is currently declining as a major issue among the electorate.

While Republicans still rank immigration and border security highly, Shaw explains that Democrats and independents, who were more engaged on these issues during the 2024 elections, have shifted their focus back to economic concerns. He suggests that significant success in one area often leads voters to prioritize other matters.

The Economic Landscape and Its Impact

Contributing to the recent slide in Trump’s overall approval ratings has been his handling of economic matters, especially inflation. Over the past few months, inflation has been a pressing concern for many Americans, an issue that previously negatively affected the approval ratings of former President Joe Biden.

Trump’s controversial tariff announcement in early April triggered a trade war with significant trading partners, which led to a noticeable decline in financial markets. This instability raised recession concerns among both consumers and economists.

However, there is some positive news. Markets have started to rebound, partially due to a truce announced between the U.S. and China concerning tariffs, with Trump opting for a more cautious approach to tariff imposition.

Ratings on Economic Issues

In the Marquette Law School poll, Trump’s approval rating on tariffs stood at 37 percent, with 34 percent approval regarding inflation and cost of living concerns. Furthermore, the Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated his ratings for the economy were at 39 percent and 33 percent concerning cost of living.

Public Concerns on Pricing and Economic Performance

Longtime GOP strategist Doug Heye pointed out that Trump’s electoral victory largely stemmed from promises to reduce prices. Unfortunately, consumer prices have not significantly decreased. Polling data reflect this dissatisfaction among voters.

While there have been slight reductions in gas prices, broader expenses continue to burden American households. Shaw emphasizes that the average consumer does not perceive the current economic situation as favorable when basic expenses remain high.

Many individuals are still feeling the impact of inflation as they allocate a significant portion of their income towards essential goods and services. Thus, Trump’s challenge remains clear: unless prices fall significantly, establishing a narrative of economic success will be challenging.

Charting the Path Forward

As Trump’s second term progresses, addressing public concerns about the economy will be critical for regaining approval. While significant achievements in border security are commendable, the lack of tangible improvement in overall economic conditions remains a significant hurdle.

Ultimately, as public sentiment evolves, it will be interesting to observe how Trump adjusts his policies and messaging to navigate these complex issues. The next few months will be pivotal in determining whether Trump can bolster his approval ratings or continue to face challenges in key areas of governance.