Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Trump’s Rapid Actions Mark His Second Term
President Donald Trump repeatedly claims that America is on the rebound as he highlights his achievements since assuming the presidency for a second time nine weeks ago. His assertions come even as many of these accomplishments generate significant debate among the public.
Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has accelerated his agenda, swiftly implementing policies that expand executive powers. Through an array of executive orders and actions, he has disrupted long-standing government practices and instigated sizable reductions in the federal workforce.
According to Fox News, Trump has issued approximately 100 executive orders during his brief time in office, significantly outpacing recent presidential predecessors in the early weeks of their terms.
Despite his optimistic outlook of “a lot of great things happening,” the most recent public opinion polling reveals that many Americans are less enthusiastic about his actions and their implications.
Latest Polls Indicate Divided Opinion
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from March 21 to March 23 shows that only 45% of respondents approve of Trump’s leadership, while 51% express disapproval. This poll questioned over 1,000 adult participants nationwide.
Importantly, the survey took place mostly prior to a controversy surrounding senior national security officials discussing sensitive military operations on the messaging app Signal, potentially in violation of federal laws.
Trump’s approval ratings fared slightly better in a recent Fox News national poll conducted from March 14 to March 17. In this survey, Americans were nearly split on his performance, resulting in 49% approval and 51% disapproval.
Status of Trump’s Approval Ratings
On average, Trump’s approval ratings hover just below the neutral mark in the most recent national polls. At the onset of his second term, his ratings were comparatively stronger, indicating support in the low 50s, while disapproval was in the mid-40s.
The economy plays a crucial role in this decline as concerns mount regarding Trump’s tariffs on major trading partners, which many fear could trigger increased inflation. This issue previously plagued former President Joe Biden, keeping his approval ratings submerged for much of his term.
Notably, Trump’s current 49% approval rating in the Fox News poll matches the high watermark during his first term, which he last reached in April 2020. This figure stands six points above where he was in March 2017.
Comparison to Previous Presidency
During his first term, Trump’s polling numbers predominantly remained negative throughout. However, veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse noted the current averages surpass any ratings he received during that earlier administration.
Daron Shaw, a member of the Fox News Decision Team, pointed out that the current figures reflect a solidified Republican base that now stands firmly behind Trump, a support dynamic that was less prevalent at the outset of his first term.
Persisting Popularity Challenges
While Trump’s favorable ratings currently sit at slightly negative levels across recent national surveys, they are still better than those from his initial presidency. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the number of Americans believing that the country is headed in the right direction, with several recent polls indicating over 40% support for this perspective. Although still negative, these figures are the most encouraging indicators of public sentiment in years.
Biden’s Stalwart Start Compared to Trump’s Approval
In contrast, Biden began his presidency with robust approval ratings, consistently found in the low to mid-50s during his first six months, with disapproval ratings remaining in the upper 30s to low 40s. However, his standings suffered following a contentious exit from Afghanistan, exacerbated by rising inflation and surging migrant crossings at the southern border. As a result, Biden’s approval ratings have remained underwater for the duration of his presidency.
Shaw commented on Biden’s predicament, emphasizing that lingering issues from his early tenure have deeply affected his overall approval.
Interpreting the Future for Trump
As Trump continues his presidency at a remarkably brisk pace, his approval numbers illustrate a complex picture. With significant backing from the Republican base and a politically charged atmosphere, his future trajectory will depend heavily on ongoing economic factors and public perception. It remains crucial to observe how his current strategy will shape his presidency and influence voter sentiment as the political landscape evolves.
