Trump and Republicans Surge in Polls While Democrats Struggle to Maintain Support

Trump and Republicans Surge in Polls While Democrats Struggle to Maintain Support

As President Trump enters his second term, recent data shows his approval ratings have reached an all-time high. A new Fox News Poll indicates a strong sentiment among voters towards Trump and Republican lawmakers, while the approval for congressional Democrats appears to be dwindling.

According to the latest poll, Trump enjoys a 49% approval rating, equal to his highest marks from April 2020. This is a notable increase compared to his first term, where his approval stood at just 43% during the same time frame. Noteworthy is Trump’s popularity among key demographics, including women, Black voters, and individuals under 30. For context, back in January, 52% of voters endorsed Trump’s handling of the presidential transition.

Despite the positive approval ratings, there remains a noticeable divide among party lines. Nine out of ten Republicans expressed support for Trump, while an equal number of Democrats disapprove of his presidency. Independents too are leaning away, with over 60% criticizing his performance.

While overall disapproval figures stand at 51%, they reveal that 45% of voters strongly oppose his presidency. This dichotomy reflects a deep partisan divide in the United States, with Republicans rallying around their leader and Democrats distancing themselves from Trump.

In his first 60 days, Trump has signed over 90 executive orders. Many voters, about 70%, share concerns that these actions might undermine the country’s traditional system of checks and balances. This sentiment mirrors fears expressed during former President Obama’s administration in late 2014, when 68% of voters voiced similar concerns.

Interestingly, party responses have shifted over the decade. A decade ago, Republicans were more anxious about executive overreach, but today, Democrats are leading this concern—close to 90% of them express discomfort over it. Independents have maintained consistent levels of concern, with approximately three-quarters sharing the same apprehension expressed ten years ago.

In a parallel finding, congressional Republicans have achieved their highest approval rating of 43% this month, although 55% still disapprove of their work. This situation marks a significant improvement from October 2023, when they faced a 36-point net negative rating, and even more pronounced from a low of 55 points experienced a decade ago.

On the contrary, Democrats in Congress face a steep decline in favor. Disapproval ratings for them hover around 66%, with only 30% expressing approval. This approval rate is dangerously close to their record low of 29% recorded back in November 2013. This indicates a 36-point gap, a stark contrast from the 23-point difference just a few months ago in October 2023, where their approval rate was at 37%.

The paradox of Republican ascendancy comes as their approval rating within their party has grown significantly. Currently, 88% of Republicans back their party. In contrast, support from Democrats for their leadership has dropped to just 49%, a significant drop from 74% merely this past year.

This divergence reflects broader dissatisfaction among Democratic voters. As noted by Daron Shaw, a Republican pollster collaborating with Democrat Chris Anderson, “Democrats are united in their antipathy toward Trump, but they aren’t happy with their own party either.” He emphasizes the struggles within the Democratic Party, as they grapple with conflicting strategies toward confronting Trump.

Vice President JD Vance’s ratings remain precarious, with a slight 8-point negative approval margin: 45% approve, and 53% disapprove. Among party lines, Vance enjoys 85% approval from Republicans, slightly trailing Trump and congressional Republicans.

In a surprising turn, voters have expressed a distinct disapproval of Elon Musk in his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where only 40% support his efforts compared to 58% who disapprove. Most Republicans affirm his performance (78%), while the vast majority of Democrats remain firmly against him at 93% disapproval.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has managed to maintain a neutral stance, with approval and disapproval remaining tied at 47%. Notably, he is the only high-ranking official to receive a double-digit approval rating from Democrats, currently standing at 11%.

Survey Methodology and Analysis

This poll, conducted between March 14 and 17, 2025, was managed by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research. The survey engaged a sample of 994 registered voters selected randomly from a national voter file. Interviews were conducted via landlines (123), cellphones (648), and online channels after respondents received a text message (223). The overall margin of sampling error stands at ±3 percentage points, with higher margins impacting subgroup results. The response rates reflect considerations for demographics including age, race, education, and location, ensuring an accurate representation of registered voters in America.

Such polling data not only captures the current state of public opinion but also showcases the shifting political landscape leading into future electoral contests, highlighting significant differences in voter sentiments across party lines.