Trump's 100-day approval rating is lower than that of every US president in the past 80 years

Donald Trump's second term began with record-high approval ratings, but public opinion has changed dramatically in the 100 days of his second presidency, according to polls published CNN и ABC News, Trump's approval rating has fallen to an 80-year low.

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Trump's approval rating currently stands at just 39-41%. This is lower than other US presidents at the same stage, including Trump himself in his first term (42% in 2017).

Historically low rating

According to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS from April 17-24, 2025, among 1678 American adults, Trump’s approval rating is 41%, down 4% from March and 7% from late February. An ABC News/Washington Post Ipsos poll (April 18-22, 2464 respondents) puts Trump’s approval rating at 39%, down 6% from February. That makes Trump the least popular president at the 100-day mark since Dwight Eisenhower. By comparison, Joe Biden was at 54%, Barack Obama was at 62%, and George W. Bush was at 63% at the same point.

On the subject: More than half of Americans think Trump is a dangerous dictator

Presidential Job Approval Ratings After 100 Days (Eisenhower to Trump II)" (table from website The American Presidency Project)

Only 21-22% of respondents “strongly approve” of Trump’s performance, a career low, while 44-45% “strongly disapprove” of the 47th president’s performance. The drop in approval ratings is particularly noticeable among women (36% approval, down 7% since March), Latinos (28%, down 7%), and independents (31%, a first-term low). Among core supporters—white men without college degrees—the rating is 54%, but even in this group, 43% say the economy is getting worse.

Economy: The Main Cause of Discontent

The economy, seen as Trump’s strength during the 2016 and 2024 campaigns, has been a key factor in his falling approval ratings. An ABC News poll found that 73% of Americans believe the economy is in poor shape, with 53% saying it has gotten worse since Trump’s inauguration and 41% saying their personal finances have gotten worse. Seventy-two percent fear Trump’s economic policies, including massive trade tariffs, will lead to a recession in the near future.

Tariffs imposed on Chinese goods (more than 104%) have caused volatility in the stock market and price increases, which has increased discontent. Only 35% approve of Trump's policies on inflation (-9% since March) and tariffs (-4%), while the rating for the economy as a whole has fallen to 39% (-5%). 71% of respondents consider trade tariffs a negative factor contributing to price increases. Only 31% believe in the long-term benefits of Trump's economic policies.

“I’m disappointed. I didn’t vote for him, but I was hoping he would help the economy,” said the 55-year-old Virginian, an independent voter and federal government employee. Inflation remains a top concern: 91% of respondents are concerned about rising prices, and 59% say it’s the country’s biggest problem.

Political Initiatives: Criticism and Resistance

Trump’s policies in other areas have also met with disapproval. Sixty-four percent of Americans say his attempts to control cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center or the Smithsonian museums are inappropriate. Sixty-five percent accuse the administration of evading judicial decisions, and 64% say it does not respect the rule of law. Fifty-six percent of respondents see Trump’s actions as an unjustified expansion of presidential powers.

Immigration policy, once considered Trump’s strong point, is losing support: 45% of respondents approve of the 47th president’s policies (-6% since March), and confidence in his ability to solve the problem has fallen from 60% in December to 53%. Foreign policy, in particular a friendly approach to Russia and cutting foreign aid, is approved by only 39%, while 60% disapprove. Forty-six percent of Americans believe that Trump is too soft on Russia.

The only area where he gets positive marks is on gender identity and transgender rights: 51% of respondents approve of his position, including 90% of Republicans.

"I'm glad he said, 'There are only men and women.' That became the law," said Lisa Manson, a mother of three from Maryland and a Trump supporter.

Executive Orders and Government Reforms

The sweeping reforms of the federal government are drawing mixed reactions. Fifty-eight percent of respondents are concerned that Trump is reducing the role of government too much, while 58% see his actions as a necessary shake-up. Fifty-seven percent of Americans believe that closing federal agencies and laying off employees is too much. Seventy-seven percent of respondents oppose cutting funding for medical research, 43% oppose interfering with the governance of private universities, and 57% oppose ending birthright citizenship.

The use of executive orders has drawn criticism even from supporters.

“He’s overdoing it with his executive orders, and a lot of them are being thrown out by the courts,” said George Mastrodonato, a Trump supporter from New Mexico. Confidence that Trump is using the powers of the presidency responsibly has fallen 8 percentage points since December to 46%, while confidence in his leadership has fallen 9 percentage points to 50%.

Political Polarization and Party Support

Partisan divisions remain deep: 83% to 86% of Republicans approve of Trump, while 93% of Democrats and 60% of independents disapprove. Among Republicans, 51% “strongly approve” of the job he’s done, but 85% of Democrats “strongly disapprove,” as do 44% of independents. Despite his low approval ratings, 94% of Trump voters say they don’t regret their choice, a testament to the loyalty of his base.

Interestingly, Trump maintains an advantage over Democrats in Congress: 37% trust him to solve the country's key problems versus 30% for the Democrats, and 30% trust no one. However, 60% of respondents believe that Trump is out of touch with the needs of the people, although even more - 69% - say the same about the Democratic Party.

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Perspectives and Perceptions

Fifty-two percent of Americans believe a second Trump term would fundamentally change the country, but only 52 percent believe his actions have already begun to address the country’s problems. Forty-eight percent believe he is delivering on key promises, but 28 percent view this negatively. Historian Allan Lichtman calls the low ratings a “red flag” for Trump’s political influence.

Vice President J.D. Vance has a similar approval rating (41%), but his popularity is lower, with just 34% viewing him favorably. National concerns about the economy and the administration's legal wrangling suggest it faces a difficult road ahead.

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